Homeobox protein DBX2, also known as developing brain homeobox protein 2, is a

protein Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, res ...

that in humans is encoded by the ''DBX2''

gene In biology, the word gene (from , ; "... Wilhelm Johannsen coined the word gene to describe the Mendelian units of heredity..." meaning ''generation'' or ''birth'' or ''gender'') can have several different meanings. The Mendelian gene is a b ...

. DBX2 plays an important role in the development of the central nervous system, specifically in the development of the neural tube and brain. DBX2 is located on chromosome 12 and is approximately 36,000 base pairs long. DBX2 is predicted to enable DNA-binding transcription activity as well as being involved in the regulation of transcription by

RNA polymerase II RNA polymerase II (RNAP II and Pol II) is a multiprotein complex that transcribes DNA into precursors of messenger RNA (mRNA) and most small nuclear RNA (snRNA) and microRNA. It is one of the three RNAP enzymes found in the nucleus of eukaryo ...

Identification

Dbx (developing brain homeobox) was first isolated from a gestational day 13.5 mouse in 1992. There are two Dbx genes (

DBX1 Homeobox protein DBX1, also known as developing brain homeobox protein 1, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''DBX1'' gene In biology, the word gene (from , ; "...Wilhelm Johannsen coined the word gene to describe the Mendelian ...

and DBX2) which are both important for development of the central nervous system. DBX2 shows conserved expression patterns in the developing brain and spinal cord and plays an important role in neural patterning and differentiation.

Associated Diseases

DBX2 has been found to play an important role in the development of

Glioblastoma Glioblastoma, previously known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is one of the most aggressive types of cancer that begin within the brain. Initially, signs and symptoms of glioblastoma are nonspecific. They may include headaches, personality ...

which is a lethal brain cancer with poor prognosis. A high expression of DBX2 has been linked to large tumor size in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) while a downregulated expression of DBX2 has been associated with Endometrial Cancer (EC).

References

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