SCX
SCX (scleraxis bHLH transcription factor) is a nuclear basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that contributes to mesoderm formation and to the development of somite-derived chondrogenic lineages. It is also known as bHLHa48, bHLHa41, SCXA and SCXB. Browse Assay Genie's current range of SCX research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
SCX is a transcription factor of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) group. According to UniProt, it plays an early essential role in mesoderm formation, as well as a later role in the formation of somite-derived chondrogenic lineages. This places SCX in the transcriptional programmes that shape embryonic tissues from the mesoderm.
At the molecular level, the NCBI Gene summary describes SCX as enabling DNA-binding transcription activator activity specific to RNA polymerase II, and bHLH transcription factor binding activity. It contributes to E-box binding activity and is involved in the positive regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. The protein is located in the nucleus and forms part of a transcription regulator complex, consistent with the way bHLH factors act through dimerisation with partner bHLH proteins.
The human SCX gene is classified by HGNC within the basic helix-loop-helix proteins. Earlier symbols and names include bHLHa48, bHLHa41, SCXA and SCXB, and names such as scleraxis homolog A (mouse), scleraxis homolog B (mouse) and scleraxis basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor. These reflect its identification through the mouse ortholog, Scx. Researchers studying SCX use it as a handle on mesoderm specification and chondrogenic lineage formation, and on how bHLH factors regulate transcription at E-box elements.
SCX has an early essential role in mesoderm formation, making it a relevant factor for studying how this germ layer is established.
SCX contributes later to the formation of somite-derived chondrogenic lineages, linking it to somite differentiation studies.
SCX enables DNA-binding transcription activation by RNA polymerase II and binds E-box elements, supporting work on bHLH-driven gene control.
SCX binds other bHLH transcription factors and is part of a transcription regulator complex, relevant to dimerisation and partner selection.
SCX is a nuclear bHLH transcription factor. UniProt describes an early essential role in mesoderm formation and a later role in forming somite-derived chondrogenic lineages. It activates transcription through RNA polymerase II, binds E-box elements and interacts with other bHLH transcription factors.
SCX is also called bHLHa48, bHLHa41, SCXA and SCXB. Previous HGNC names include scleraxis homolog A (mouse), scleraxis homolog B (mouse), scleraxis homolog (mouse) and scleraxis basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor. The UniProt name is basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor scleraxis.
Yes. The mouse ortholog is Scx, and the historical human names refer to the mouse scleraxis homologs. Cross-species work is therefore common, but check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other bHLH transcription factors and developmental regulators of mesoderm and chondrogenic lineages with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q7RTU7; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.