These findings were not only validated using multiple markers in the adult multi-Hox mutant cystic kidneys, but were also present in embryonic kidneys in both the most severely affected genotypes (Hoxc9,10,11−/− Hoxd9,10,11−/− and Hoxa9,10−/−11+/− Hoxc9,10,11−/− mutants) as well as the less affected heterozygous/homozygous combinations. The gene discussed is HOXC9; the disease is Renal cyst.