Homeobox protein Emx2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the EMX2 gene. [4] [5]
The homeodomain transcription factor EMX2 is critical for central nervous system and urogenital development. EMX1 (MIM 600034) and EMX2 are related to the 'empty spiracles' gene expressed in the developing Drosophila head.[supplied by OMIM]. [5]
The EMX2 gene encodes for a transcription factor that is a homolog to Drosophila melanogaster “empty spiracles” gene. [5] The “empty spiracles gene” is needed for the proper head development/formation as well as the development of posterior spiracles in Drosophila melanogaster. [6]
In humans, EMX2 shows high expression in the dorsal telencephalon, olfactory neuroepithelium, as well as the urogenital system. [5] In the developing uroepithelium, EMX2 is negatively regulated by HOXA10. [5] EMX2 has been associated with Schizencephaly, [5] a disease where there are large parts of the brain hemispheres absent and that are replaced with cerebrospinal fluid, clinical observations can include seizures, blindness, and inability to walk/speak. [7] EMX2 has also been shown to have an important role in tumorigenesis. One study found that the expression of EMX2 is significantly decreased in tissues and cells with colorectal cancer. It is suspected that EMX2 could be used as a treatment of colorectal cancer. [8]
Homeobox protein Hox-B7 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB7 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-B6 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB6 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-A11 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXA11 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-B5 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB5 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-B4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB4 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-C8 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXC8 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-D13 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXD13 gene. This gene belongs to the homeobox family of genes. The homeobox genes encode a highly conserved family of transcription factors that play an important role in morphogenesis in all multicellular organisms.
Homeobox protein Hox-A7 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXA7 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-B1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB1 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-B2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB2 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-C4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXC4 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-C6 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXC6 gene. Hox-C6 expression is highest in the fallopian tube and ovary. HoxC6 has been highly expressed in many types of cancers including prostate, breast, and esophageal squamous cell cancer.
Homeobox protein Hox-D4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXD4 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-B8 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB8 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-D12 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXD12 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-C9 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXC9 gene.
Homeobox protein OTX1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the OTX1 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-C11 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXC11 gene.
Homeobox protein DLX-1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DLX1 gene.
Homeobox protein EMX1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the EMX1 gene. The transcribed EMX1 gene is a member of the EMX family of transcription factors. The EMX1 gene, along with its family members, are expressed in the developing cerebrum. EMX1 plays a role in specification of positional identity, the proliferation of neural stem cells, differentiation of layer-specific neuronal phenotypes and commitment to a neuronal or glial cell fate.
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.