Our findings point to a number of possibilities for developing more effective, stem cell targeting therapies for advanced colorectal cancer,

HOX gene expression has been found to malfunction in various types of cancer. What the team discovered was that lowering HOXA4 or HOXA9 expression in colon cancer stem cells decreases their self-renewal ability, reducing cell population, and inhibiting cell proliferation. The investigators concluded that therapeutically targeting HOX gene expression could reduce the self-renewal ability of malignant stem cells during cancer development.

Dr. Boman and his research team found that ATRA down-regulates HOX gene expression, decreases gene expression of a known stem cell biomarker (ALDH1) and reduced stem cell viability and renewal. "Our findings point to a number of possibilities for developing more effective, stem cell targeting therapies for advanced colorectal cancer," Dr. Boman said.

Carly Johnson
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20180131/Scientists-discover-role-of-two-specific-HOX-genes-in-colon-cancer-development.aspx