Mammalian homeobox genes are widely expressed in the developing central nervous system. The region-specific patterns of expression of mouse homeobox genes are considered to be important for establishing the embryonic body plan. As a member of HOX gene family, HOXc8 gene has been widely studied for its location,structure,expression,regulation and relation to nervous system. In vitro experiments, studies have demonstrated that the expression of HOXc8 gene can depress the expression of APP gene. This phenomenon indicates that HOXc8 gene may be in relation with the etiology of Alzheimer's disease.