This gene belongs to the homeobox family of genes. The homeobox genes encode a highly conserved family of transcription factors that play an important role in morphogenesis in all multicellular organisms. Mammals possess four similar homeobox gene clusters, HOXA, HOXB, HOXC and HOXD, located on diff
erent chromosomes, consisting of 9 to 11 genes arranged in tandem. This gene is one of several homeobox HOXD genes located at 2q31-2q37 chromosome regions. Deletions that removed the entire HOXD gene cluster or 5' end of this cluster have been associated with severe limb and genital abnormalities. The exact role of this gene has not been determined. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
This gene is located at the 5' end of the HOXD gene cluster on chromosome 2. The encoded protein is a homeobox transcription factor that is related to the protein encoded by the Drosophila even-skipped (eve) gene, a member of the pair-rule class of segmentation genes. A 117 kb microdeletion at the 5
' end of the HOXD gene cluster, which includes this gene and the HOXD9-HOXD13 genes, causes synpolydactyly, a dominantly inherited disease resulting in limb malformation. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2009]