Author Description

This much-needed guidebook provides research workers with the most up-to-date reference available on homeobox genes. As the tenth anniversary of the discovery of the homeobox fast approaches, these genes are being isolated from an ever-widening group of organisms and are now understood as critical to numerous developmental processes. But the rapidly increasing pool of information on homeobox genes has often resulted in a lack of coordination in the use of nomenclature and classification systems. As a result, the field has been sometimes characterized by its confusing and scattered literature. This book provides an overview of the subject by summarizing the dispersed findings and by listing key references. The first two chapters give a brief historical account of the discovery of the homeobox and introduce the reader to its role in development. The third chapter provides comprehensive coverage to the classification and structural organization of the homeobox genes. Finally, short descriptions of individual homeobox genes are provided in alphabetical order at the end of the book. Guidebook to the Homeobox Genes, with its easy-to-use format, offers a quick and simple way to learn about the essentials of each gene with cogent descriptions and helpful references. It will be welcomed by students and professionals in developmental biology, molecular genetics, and molecular biology.