Homeobox protein Nkx-6.2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NKX6-2 gene. [5] [6]
Nk6 homeobox 2 gene (Nkx6.2) is found on chromosome 10 in humans and on chromosome 7 in murine species. [7] [8] Expression of the Nkx6.2 gene results in the Nkx6.2 transcription factor. [9]
Its expression can be seen in the fetal brain, ventral portion of the neural tube, and the developing spinal cord during embryogenesis as well as in the adult brain. [9] [10] Expression was also found to be in germ cells of testes. [11]
Nkx6.2 is involved in the patterning of the central nervous system during early embryo development. [12] As this gene continues to be researched, newfound information suggests that it aids in human oligodendrocyte maturation. [10] [13] It has also been found to be important in motor function stemming from spinal neuronal circuits. [7]
Disorders with this gene can result in Spastic Ataxia which is a disease characterized by possible neurological issues, impaired learning ability, and a hypomyelinated central nervous system. [8] [14] Another study has shown that methylation of Nkx6.2 can be correlated with renal cancer metastasis. [15]
A Nkx6.2 knock-out mouse model showed abnormal motor ability thus corroborating that Nkx6.2 plays a role in central nervous system development. [7]
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.
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