Homeobox Protein B2 (HOXB2)

HOXB2 is a member of the Antp homeobox family and encodes a nuclear protein with a homeobox DNA-binding domain. It is included in a cluster of homeobox B genes located on chromosome 17. The encoded protein functions as a sequence-specific transcription factor that is involved in development. Increased expression of this gene is associated with pancreatic cancer.

In human and mouse tissues, expression of HOXB2 persisted in adult spinal cord and was primarily localized in nuclei of motor neurons. In G93A transgenic mice, HOXB2 colocalized with mutant SOD1 and was redistributed to perikarya and proximal neurites of motor neurons.