The role of Homeobox genes in normal hematopoiesis and hematological malignancies

In the last decade it has become clear that homeobox containing genes (HOX genes) not only play a significant role in regulating body formation, but i n addition, they are contributing to organization and regulation of hematop oiesis. Modern molecular technologies showed that deregulated expression or disruption of Hox genes can lead to altered characteristics of blood cells or disturbance of blood cell development. In this paper we review the role of HOX proteins in hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis and speculate about th eir possible target genes and involvement in lymphomagenesis.