DLX2
Description
The DLX2 (distal-less homeobox 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 2.
The DLX2 gene encodes a homeobox protein, DLX-2, which is involved in the development of the forebrain and craniofacial structures. It belongs to the Distal-less (Dlx) family of genes, which includes six members (DLX1-DLX6) all sharing a homeobox related to that of the Drosophila gene Distal-less (Dll), involved in head and limb development. DLX2 is located on chromosome 2, in a tail-to-tail configuration with another member of the gene family. It has been shown to interact with several other proteins, including DLX5, MSX1, and Msh homeobox 2.
DLX2 acts as a transcriptional activator, stimulating the transcription of CGA/alpha-GSU by binding to the downstream activin regulatory element (DARE) in the gene promoter. It plays a role in the final differentiation of interneurons, including amacrine and bipolar cells, in the developing retina. DLX2 is likely to be involved in regulating the development of the ventral forebrain and may also contribute to craniofacial patterning and morphogenesis.
DLX2 is also known as TES-1, TES1.
Associated Diseases
- Parkinson disease
- multiple sclerosis
- lysosomal storage disease
- Alzheimer disease
- cancer
- cleft lip/palate
- cold-induced sweating syndrome
- thickened earlobes-conductive deafness syndrome
- deafness-ear malformation-facial palsy syndrome
- branchiootic syndrome
- isolated congenital hypoglossia/aglossia
- Treacher-Collins syndrome
