The vertebrae are patterned by the Hox complex of transcription factors,which are expressed in nested domains along the cranial-caudal axis.How would gain of Hox function be expected to affect the developing vertebrae?

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Gain of Hox function would lead to a caudalization of the developing vertebrae, as Hox genes are expressed in a nested pattern along the cranial-caudal axis and their expression determines the identity of each vertebral segment. Increasing the expression of Hox genes would shift the identity of the developing vertebrae towards a more caudal identity.

The Vertebrae Are Patterned by the Hox Complex of Transcription