NKX2-8
NKX2-8 (NK2 homeobox 8, also known as NKX2.8, Nkx2-9 and NKX2H) is a homeobox-containing developmental regulator linked to liver development. It is a nuclear protein of the NK-2 homeobox family that binds the alpha-fetoprotein promoter and increases AFP expression. Browse Assay Genie's current range of NKX2-8 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
NKX2-8 is a homeobox-containing developmental regulator associated with liver development. The encoded protein binds to the promoter of the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene and increases AFP expression, which places it among the transcription factors that shape gene programmes during development. UniProt annotates the protein as localised to the nucleus, consistent with this role.
The NKX2-8 gene encodes Homeobox protein Nkx-2.8 and belongs to the NK-2 homeobox family. HGNC classifies it within the NKL subclass homeoboxes and pseudogenes. It is related to other NK homeobox genes such as NKX2-2, NKX2-4, NKX3-1 and NKX6-1. A mouse ortholog, Nkx2-8, is recognised. Researchers studying the NKX2-8 gene or protein often do so alongside these relatives to compare homeodomain function.
NKX2-8 has also been examined in disease. According to the NCBI Gene summary, it is overexpressed in some lung cancers and linked to poor patient survival, possibly because of resistance to cisplatin. It is deleted in squamous cell lung carcinomas, aberrantly methylated in pancreatic cancer, and acts as a tumour suppressor in esophageal cancer. Mutations in the gene may also cause neural tube defects. Earlier names include NK-2 homolog H (Drosophila) and NK2 transcription factor related, locus 8 (Drosophila), reflecting its Drosophila NK-2 homology.
NKX2-8 is a homeobox regulator associated with liver development and drives AFP expression by binding the AFP promoter.
NKX2-8 is overexpressed in some lung cancers, linked to poor survival and possibly cisplatin resistance, yet deleted in squamous cell lung carcinomas.
NKX2-8 acts as a tumour suppressor in esophageal cancer and is aberrantly methylated in pancreatic cancer.
Mutations in NKX2-8 may be a cause of neural tube defects, making it a candidate for developmental disorder research.
NKX2-8 is a homeobox-containing developmental regulator associated with liver development. It binds the promoter of the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene and increases AFP expression. UniProt places the protein in the nucleus, where it acts as a transcription factor of the NK-2 homeobox family.
NKX2-8 is also written NKX2.8, Nkx2-9 and NKX2H, and UniProt names it Homeobox protein Nkx-2.8. Older HGNC names are NK-2 homolog H (Drosophila) and NK2 transcription factor related, locus 8 (Drosophila). Check each datasheet for the nomenclature used.
The NCBI Gene summary links NKX2-8 to several cancers. It is overexpressed in some lung cancers, deleted in squamous cell lung carcinomas, aberrantly methylated in pancreatic cancer and acts as a tumour suppressor in esophageal cancer. Mutations may also contribute to neural tube defects. Mouse Nkx2-8 is the recognised ortholog.
Other NK homeobox transcription factors involved in development and disease, with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt O15522; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.