FOXP2 : forkhead box P2

Description

The FOXP2 (forkhead box P2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 7.

The FOXP2 gene provides instructions for creating a protein called forkhead box P2. This protein acts as a 'control switch' for other genes, regulating their activity by attaching to their DNA. Although it's thought to influence many genes, only a few of its targets have been discovered so far. This protein is active in various tissues, including the brain, both before and after birth. It plays a vital role in brain development, including the growth of nerve cells and the communication between them. It's also involved in the flexibility of connections between neurons, called synaptic plasticity, which is essential for learning and memory. FOXP2 seems crucial for the normal development of speech and language, and scientists are working to identify the genes it regulates that are vital for learning these skills.

FOXP2 is also known as CAGH44, SPCH1, TNRC10.

Associated Diseases

• Speech-language disorder-1
• Isolated childhood apraxia of speech
• 7q31 microdeletion syndrome
• FOXP2-related speech and language disorder