Abstract:
Recent decades have witnessed the publication of numerous studies reporting alterations in the
genome and transcriptome of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Currently, the
utilisation of these alterations as biomarkers and targets for therapy are limited and new, useful
molecular characteristics are being sought. Many of the published HNSCC gene expression profiles
demonstrate alterations in the expression of HOX genes. These are a family of Homeobox
containing genes which are involved in developmental patterning and morphogenesis in the embryo,
and which are often aberrantly expressed in cancer. The 39 HOX genes found in the human genome
are arranged in 4 paralogous groups at different chromosomal loci. These control a wide range of
cellular processes, including proliferation and migration, which are relevant in the context of cancer
development. In this review article we will outline the biology of HOX genes in relation to cancer
and summarise the accumulating evidence for their role in the development of HNSCC and the
possibility that they could be a therapeutic target in this malignancy. We will also identify areas
where our current understanding is weak in order to focus future work and appraise the ongoing
strategies for pharmacological intervention.
