CDX2

Homeobox protein CDX-2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CDX2 gene. This gene is a member of the caudal-related homeobox transcription factor family that is expressed in the nuclei of intestinal epithelial cells.

Function

Cdx2 is the gene that directs early embryogenesis in mice. It is required to form the placenta.

Ectopic expression of CDX2 was reported in more than 85% of the human patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Ectopic expression of Cdx2 in murine bone marrow induced AML in mice and upregulate Hox genes in bone marrow progenitors. CDX2 is also implicated in the pathogenesis of Barrett's esophagus where it has been shown that components from gastroesofageal reflux such as bile acids are able to induce the expression of an intestinal differentiation program through up-regulation of NF-κB and CDX2.

Biomarker for intestinal cancer

CDX2 is also used in diagnostic surgical pathology as a marker for gastrointestinal differentiation, especially colorectal.

Possible use in stem cell research

This gene (or, more specifically, the equivalent gene in humans) has come up in the proposal by the President's Council on Bioethics, as a solution to the stem cell controversy. According to one of the plans put forth, by deactivating the gene, it would not be possible for a properly organized embryo to form, thus providing stem cells without requiring the destruction of an embryo. Other genes that have been proposed for this purpose include Hnf4, which is required for gastrulation.

Interactions

CDX2 has been shown to interact with EP300, and PAX6.

External links

• CDX2 protein, human at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)