LIM Homeobox Protein 2 (LHX2)

LHX2 encodes a protein belonging to a large protein family, members of which carry the LIM domain, a unique cysteine-rich zinc-binding domain. The encoded protein may function as a transcriptional regulator. The protein can recapitulate or rescue phenotypes in Drosophila caused by a related protein, suggesting conservation of function during evolution.Lhx2 acts as a classic selector gene and essential intrinsic determinant of cortical identity. Lhx2 selector activity is restricted to an early critical period when stem cells comprise the cortical neuroepithelium, where it acts cell autonomously to specify cortical identity and suppress alternative fates in a spatially-dependent manner. Laterally, Lhx2-null cells adopt antihem identity, whereas medially they become cortical hem cells, which can induce and organize ectopic hippocampal fields.