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What's more, it became clear from the pictures that certain pairs of Hox proteins exclude each other from an individual neuron, whereas other combinations of Hox proteins can coexist. In effect, the Hox proteins wage a battle for dominance within the cells of each pool. "Hox protein A may win out in one neuron and Hox protein B may prevail in another neuron," says Jessell. "And since the emergence of that final Hox pattern determines identity, the nature of the interactive circuit between Hox proteins is in itself driving the diversification of neurons."
These findings may have broad implications. "We already know that the basic organization of the chick motor system is conserved within higher vertebrates, including humans," Jessell predicts. "If you look at chick locomotor behavior, it's strikingly similar to humans walking." It's possible, then, that understanding the Hox code may one day help guide progress in restoring motor neuron function in people whose spinal cords have been damaged by trauma or disease. 
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