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Abstract
Homeobox genes play fundamental roles in development. They can be subdivided into
several subfamilies, one of which is the LIM-homeobox subfamily. The primary structure
of LIM-homeobox genes has been remarkably conserved through evolution. Have their
functions similarly been conserved? A host of new data has been derived from mutational
analysis in diverse organisms, such as nematodes, flies and vertebrates. These studies
have revealed a prominent involvement of LIM-homeodomain proteins in tissue patterning
and differentiation, and their function in neural patterning is evident in all organisms
studied to date. Here, we summarize the recent findings on LIM-homeobox gene function,
compare the function of these genes from different organisms and describe specific
co-factor requirements.