The ALX4 gene provides instructions for making a member of the homeobox protein family. Homeobox proteins direct the formation of body structures during early embryonic development. The ALX4 protein is necessary for normal development of the head.
The ALX4 protein is a transcription factor, which means that it attaches (binds) to DNA and controls the activity of certain genes. Specifically, the protein controls the activity of genes that regulate cell growth and division (proliferation), cell maturation and specialization (differentiation), cell movement (migration), and cell survival. The ALX4 protein also interacts with other transcription factors to help regulate these functions and ensure that cells start and stop growing at specific times and that they are positioned correctly during development.
Other Names
homeodomain transcription factor ALX4; KIAA1788; PFM
Related Genetics Topics
- Enlarged parietal foramina — MedlinePlus Genetics
- Potocki-Shaffer syndrome — MedlinePlus Genetics
- Frontonasal dysplasia — MedlinePlus Genetics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 60529
- OMIM: 605420
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
