Cdx protein family

The Cdx protein family is a group of the transcription factor proteins which bind to DNA to regulate the expression of genes.[1] In particular this family of proteins can regulate the Hox genes.

Contents

Cdx proteins

The human Cdx2 family protein has 94% identity with the mouse Cdx2 and the hamster Cdx3.[2]

Cdx proteins and regulation of Hox gene expression

Cdx proteins are key regulatiors of Hox genes. The vertebrate Cdx proteins act upstream of Hox genes. Cdx genes integrate the posteriorizing signals from retionic acic and Wnt canonical pathways and relay this information to Hox promoters.[3]

Expression in mouse embryo

Cdx2 expression begins at 3.5 days and is confined to the trophectoderm, being absent from the inner cell mass. From 8.5 days, Cdx2 begins to be expressed in embryonic tissues, principally in the posterior part of the gut from its earliest formation.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ M. Béland & al. 'Cdx1 autoregulation is governed by a novel Cdx1-LEF1 transcription complex', Molecular and Cellular Biology 24, 5028-5038, 2004.
  2. ^ G. V. Mallo & al. 'Molecular cloning, sequencing and expression of the mRNA encoding human Cdx1 and Cdx2 homeobox. Down-regulation of Cdx1 and Cdx2 mRNA expression during colorectal carcinogenesis', Int. J. Cancer. 74, 35-44, 1997.
  3. ^ D. Lohnes. 'The Cdx1 homeodomain protein: an integrator of posterior signaling in the mouse', Bioessays 25, 971-980, 2003.
  4. ^ F. Beck. 'Expression of Cdx-2 in the mouse embryo and placenta: possible role in patterning of the extra-embryonic membranes', Developmental Dynamics 204, 219-227, 1995.