# DETERMINATION OF HOMEOBOX GENE SPECIFICITY

> **NIH NIH K11** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 1994 · $83,285

## Abstract

Homeodomain proteins are essential to normal development and
differentiation in Drosophila and humans.  They act as transcriptional
regulatory proteins.  How they impart their specificity of action is
still poorly understood.  This study is designed to characterize the
molecular specificity of homeodomain protein action.

Phase I will characterize the DNA sequences that impart specificity of
homeodomain binding.  The model system used will be the Abdominal-B
homeoprotein response element of the Drosophila empty spiracles gene.
This newly identified element will be sequenced and then functionally
important regions will be identified by an evolutionary, and mutational
approach and tested for function in a transgenic fly strain.  The
specific Abdominal-B homeoprotein binding sites will be compared to
another homeobox response element.  Attempts will be made to change
sequences in one response element to make it specific for another
homeobox protein; thus those sequences essential for specificity of
action will be determined.  The principles of homeotic specificity
learned will be tested for applicability to humans using homologus human
homeobox genes in a transgenic fly strain.

Phase II will attempt to identify and characterize novel cofactors that
are likely involved in refining homeotic specificity. Once identified,
these cofactors will be assayed for conservation in humans. These genes
and cofactors will then be assayed for function in mammals.

A comprehensive characterization of the determinants of homeotic
specificity will be delineated in both Drosophila and humans.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2194515
- **Project number:** 5K11HD001003-02
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FL6GV84CKN57
- **Principal Investigator:** Hugh Smith Taylor
- **Activity code:** K11 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $83,285
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1993-07-01 → 1998-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2194515

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2194515, DETERMINATION OF HOMEOBOX GENE SPECIFICITY (5K11HD001003-02). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2194515. Licensed CC0.

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