Drosophila Hox genes induce melanized pseudo-tumors when misexpressed in hemocytes.

ABSTRACT: Hox genes are early determinants of cell identity along the anterior-posterior body axis across bilaterians. Several late non-homeotic functions of Hox genes have emerged in a variety of processes involved in organogenesis in several organisms, including mammals. Several studies have reported the misexpression of Hox genes in a variety of malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia. The Hox genes Dfd, Ubx, abd-A and Abd-B were overexpressed via the UAS-Gal4 system using Cg-Gal4, Lsp2-Gal4, He-Gal4 and HmlD3-Gal4 as specific drivers. Genetic interaction was tested by bringing overexpression lines in heterozygous mutant backgrounds of Polycomb and trithorax group factors. Larvae were visually scored for melanized bodies. Circulating hemocytes were quantified and tested for differentiation.

SUBMITTER: Ponrathnam T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7815749 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature