SIX2
Description
The SIX2 (SIX homeobox 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 2.
SIX2 is a protein encoded by the SIX2 gene in humans. It is a homeobox protein.
SIX2 is a transcription factor involved in the development of various organs, including the kidney, skull, and stomach. During kidney development, SIX2 maintains the undifferentiated state of nephron progenitor cells in the cap mesenchyme, counteracting signals from the ureteric bud. It collaborates with WNT9B to promote proliferation of these progenitor cells. SIX2 interacts with TCF7L2 and OSR1, independently of canonical Wnt signaling, to prevent the expression of differentiation genes in the cap mesenchyme, such as WNT4. Additionally, SIX2 independently activates the expression of various cap mesenchyme genes, including itself, GDNF, and OSR1. In craniofacial development, SIX2 contributes to cranial base growth and elongation by regulating chondrocyte differentiation. During stomach development, it controls pyloric sphincter formation and mucosal growth through regulation of a gene network involving NKX2-5, BMPR1B, BMP4, SOX9, and GREM1. In branchial arch development, SIX2 mediates HOXA2 control over the insulin-like growth factor pathway. It may also play a role in limb tendon and ligament development, based on similarities with other proteins. SIX2 contributes to cell proliferation and migration.
SIX2 is also known as -.
