The Cdx-1 and Cdx-2 homeobox genes in the intestine

The past years have witnessed an increasing number of reports relative to h omeobox genes in endoderm-derived tissues. In this review, we focus on the caudal-related Cdx-1 and Cdx-2 homeobox genes to give an overview of the in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo approaches that emphasize their primary role i n intestinal development and in the control of intestinal cell proliferatio n, differentiation, and identity. The participation of these genes in colon tumorigenesis and their identification as important actors of the oncogeni c process are also discussed.