HOXB13 Rabbit Polyclonal Antibody

HOXB13 is a transcription factor encoded by the HOXB13 gene located on chromosome 17q21-22. It belongs to the homeobox protein family and is primarily involved in establishing positional identity along the anterior-posterior body axis during embryonic development, while also playing regulatory roles in terminally differentiated tissues. The protein contains a highly conserved homeodomain that binds to the major groove of DNA through its third α-helix (the recognition helix), while simultaneously interacting with the minor groove via its N-terminal tail, thereby recognizing specific sequences. Notably, HOXB13 exhibits a marked binding preference for methylated DNA; its Ile262 and Val269 residues can form hydrophobic contacts with 5-methylcytosine at methylated CpG sites, and this methylation sensitivity gives it a special status in epigenetic regulation. Functionally, HOXB13 is indispensable for prostate development and differentiation and is also an important co-regulator of the androgen receptor. Clinically, the most influential finding is its G84E germline mutation, which lies within the conserved MEIS protein-binding domain and is significantly associated with an elevated risk of hereditary prostate cancer. In addition, HOXB13 displays characteristics of a candidate tumor suppressor gene in renal cell carcinoma, whereas in prostate cancer progression it plays a more complex dual role—acting as an androgen receptor co-activator on the one hand, while its loss is associated with tumor metastasis and lipid metabolic reprogramming on the other.