PROX1
PROX1 (prospero homeobox 1) is a nuclear homeobox transcription factor that directs cell fate determination and progenitor cell regulation during embryonic development. It was previously named prospero-related homeobox 1 and belongs to the PROS class of homeobox genes. Browse Assay Genie's current range of PROX1 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
PROX1 is a transcription factor involved in developmental processes such as cell fate determination, regulation of gene transcription and control of progenitor cells in a number of organs. It plays a critical role in embryonic development and acts as a key regulatory protein in neurogenesis and in the development of the heart, eye lens, liver, pancreas and lymphatic system. PROX1 is also involved in regulating the circadian rhythm. In this setting it represses transcription of the retinoid-related orphan receptor RORG, and it suppresses the transcriptional activator activity of RORA and RORG. As a result it dampens expression of RORA/G target genes, including the core clock components BMAL1, NPAS2 and CRY1 and the metabolic genes AVPR1A and ELOVL3.
The PROX1 protein belongs to the Prospero homeodomain family and is a member of the wider homeobox transcription factor family. Homeobox proteins contain a 60-amino acid helix-turn-helix homeobox domain that binds DNA and RNA. The protein is localised to the nucleus, consistent with its role in gene regulation. The PROX1 gene is conserved across vertebrates, with a mouse ortholog named Prox1, and alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants.
HGNC classifies the gene within the PROS class homeoboxes and records the earlier name prospero-related homeobox 1. Altered levels of PROX1 protein have been reported in cancers of several organs, including colon, brain, blood, breast, pancreas, liver and esophagus. This makes it a frequent subject in both developmental biology and cancer research.
PROX1 is a key regulator of cell fate and progenitor cell control during embryonic development across multiple organs.
PROX1 is involved in development of the lymphatic system, making it a relevant target for studying lymphatic differentiation.
PROX1 functions as a regulatory protein in neurogenesis and in development of the heart, eye lens, liver and pancreas.
Altered PROX1 levels are reported in several cancers, and the protein represses RORA/G activity and clock gene expression.
PROX1 is a nuclear transcription factor that regulates cell fate determination and progenitor cells during development. It is important in neurogenesis and in formation of the heart, eye lens, liver, pancreas and lymphatic system, and it also helps regulate the circadian rhythm.
HGNC lists the full name as prospero homeobox 1, with the previous name prospero-related homeobox 1. UniProt records the protein as Prospero homeobox protein 1. No alternative gene symbols are listed. Alternative splicing produces multiple transcript variants.
The PROX1 gene is conserved across vertebrates, and the mouse ortholog is Prox1. Altered levels of the protein have been reported in cancers of the colon, brain, blood, breast, pancreas, liver and esophagus. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other homeobox transcription factors, circadian clock regulators and developmental markers with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q92786; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.