Why are HOX genes significant among animals?

Hox genes, also known as homeoboxes, were first identified in the fruit fly drosophila. Later, these genes were identified in vertebrates, including humans. They are highly conserved genes that regulate anteriority, posteriority, and limb formation. Humans have 39 hox genes, and if hox gene 13 is mutated, human limbs develop six digits instead of the typical five.

HOX genes are significant among animals because they play a crucial role in the development of the body plan and the segmentation of the embryo during embryonic development. They regulate the expression of other genes that control the formation of structures along the anterior-posterior axis of the body, including limbs, organs, and the nervous system. This regulatory role helps determine the overall body structure and ensures that organisms develop properly. Additionally, HOX genes are highly conserved across species, meaning they are similar in different organisms, from fruit flies to humans, highlighting their fundamental importance in animal development.