Our research group interest focuses on the genetic control of vertebrate embryonic development. In particular, we study the Hox family of transcription factors, mutations of which have been related to numerous genetic syndromes in human. Mammals have 39 Hox genes grouped in four complexes (HoxA, HoxB, HoxC and HoxD). These genes, encoding for transcription factors, are required for the establishment of the body architecture. Indeed, body patterning is based on a precise distribution of the functional domains of each of these genes along the anterior to posterior axis of the developing embryo.

The main goal of the laboratory is to identify the molecular pathways under the control of the Hox transcription factors in order to gain insights into their functional properties. For our studies we use mouse models carrying targeted mutations within the Hox genes. Recently, by using the developing limb as a model system, we have obtained results suggesting that Hox genes are involved in growth control in addition to their crucial input to patterning processes. The main projects we are currently working on are aimed to examine the actual Hox contribution to growth control. Understanding the mechanisms whereby Hox impact upon the regulation of cell proliferation and/or apoptosis is critical, as it should allow a better assessment of Hox involvement in the various tumors associated to Hox mis-expression.