BarX2: Proteins and Enzymes

BARX2 is a member of the Bar class of homeodomain transcription factors. It binds optimally to the DNA consensus sequence YYTAATGRTTTTY. It may control the expression of neural adhesion molecules such as L1 or Ng-CAM during embryonic development of both the central and peripherical nervous system. It may be involved in controlling adhesive processes in keratinizing epithelia. It is highly expressed in adult salivary gland and at much lower levels in mammary gland, kidney and placenta. It contains 1 homeobox DNA-binding domain. BarX2 is a tumour suppressor gene that encodes for a transcription factor known to regulate transcription of cell adhesion molecules in the mouse.