BARX Homeobox Protein 1 (BARX1)

BARX1 encodes a member of the Bar subclass of homeobox transcription factors. Studies of the mouse and chick homolog suggest the encoded protein may play a role in developing teeth and craniofacial mesenchyme of neural crest origin. The protein may also be associated with differentiation of stomach epithelia.Barx1 expression in areas of the first and second branchial arches, before any apparent cellular or morphologic differentiation. Later in development, all expressing tissue in this region, including the mesenchyme underlying the olfactory epithelium, the primary and secondary palate, the molar tooth papillae, and the stroma of the submandibular gland, appear to be derived from ectomesenchyme of neural crest origin. By day 16.5, all areas except the developing molars are Barx1-negative.