Getting a molecular grasp on Hox contextual activity

Abstract

Hox genes encode evolutionarily conserved transcription factors with key functions in development and evolution. Although the multitude of processes individually controlled by Hox proteins highlights the importance of contextual information in setting their diverse activities, the underlying molecular mechanisms still remain elusive. A recent study identified novel Hox molecular partners, whose properties set a conceptual framework to understand how Hox proteins use and integrate contextual information.