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.
Cdx proteins
- Cdx1 protein
- Cdx2 protein
- Cdx4 protein
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 regulators of Hox genes. The vertebrate Cdx proteins act upstream of Hox genes. Cdx genes integrate the posteriorizing signals from retinoic acid 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]
References
- Béland, M.; Pilon, N.; Houle, M.; et al. (2004). "Cdx1 Autoregulation is Governed by a Novel Cdx1-LEF1 Transcription Complex". Molecular and Cellular Biology. 24 (11): 5028–5038. doi:10.1128/MCB.24.11.5028-5038.2004. PMC 416402. PMID 15143193.
- Mallo, G.V.; Rechreche, H.; Frigerio, J.M.; et al. (1997). "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". International Journal of Cancer. 74 (1): 35–44. doi:10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(19970220)74:1<35::aid-ijc7>3.0.co;2-1. PMID 9036867.
- Lohnes, David (2003). "The Cdx1 Homeodomain Protein: An Integrator of Posterior Signaling in the Mouse". BioEssays. 25 (10): 971–980. doi:10.1002/bies.10340. PMID 14505364.
- Beck, F.; Erler, T.; Russell, A.; et al. (1995). "Expression of Cdx-2 in the Mouse Embryo and Placenta: Possible Role in Patterning of the Extra-embryonic Membranes". Developmental Dynamics. 204 (3): 219–227. doi:10.1002/aja.1002040302. PMID 8573715.