Abstract: Congenital clubfoot（CCF） , which is also known as equines deformity, is a common congenital malformation that affect children′s life quality. However, its cause is still to be elucidated. Currently, polygenetic and environmental factors are both believed to play important roles in CCF pathogenesis. Several genes including HOX, PITX1, NAT2, P63, DTDS and COL9A were shown to contribute to congenital clubfoot, but which is the most critical gene remains unclear. Several reports have revealed that Hox genes are closely related to the cause of CCF. Hox genes are regulators of body morphogenesis,and its mutation result in limbs and trunk deformity in human. Here, we systematically reviewed the latest literature that studied the role of Hox genes in pathogenesis of Congenital clubfoot, with the prospect of laying a foundation for its future clinic treatment.

Key words: genes, homeobox, equinus deformity, genetics, medical, review, HOTAIR