Homeotic gene

Homeotic genes are genes which regulate the development of anatomical structures in various organisms such as echinoderms,^[1] insects, mammals, and plants. Homeotic genes often encode transcription factor proteins, and these proteins affect development by regulating downstream gene networks involved in body patterning.^[2]

Mutations in homeotic genes cause displaced body parts (homeosis), such as antennae growing at the posterior of the fly instead of at the head.^[3] Mutations that lead to development of ectopic structures are usually lethal.^[4]