Hox genes maintain critical roles in the adult skeleton

Abstract excerpt

Significance Mammalian Hox genes are absolutely critical for proper development of skeletal morphology during embryogenesis, and Hox11 genes are essential for proper zeugopod (radius/ulna, tibia/fibula) development. While the expression of Hox genes continues through postnatal and adult stages, whether Hox genes continue to function in the skeleton after the establishment of skeletal morphology has not been...