Cell-type-specific modulation of Hox gene expression by members of the TGF-beta superfamily: a comparison between human osteosarcoma and neuroblastoma cell lines.

Homeobox gene expression in osteoblast-like cells was investigated using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 13 homeobox genes was detected in U-2 OS (human osteosarcoma) and MC3T3-E1 (mouse osteoblast) cells by sequencing cloned PCR products. Using specific primers, a different pattern of Hox gene expression was shown for the neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH relative to U-2 OS and MC3T3-E1. Additionally, we showed that expression of HOXC6 in U-2 OS and SK-N-SH was differentially regulated by rhBMP-2, TGF-beta and activin-A. This suggests that specific Hox genes may be target genes for TGF-beta superfamily members, and allows us to further understand the complex functions of these growth factors and how they relate to growth and development.