LIM Homeobox Transcription Factor 1 Beta (LMX1b)

LIM-homeodomain proteins are characterized by the presence of 2 tandem cysteine/histidine-rich, zinc-binding LIM domains. LMX1, a LIM-homeodomain-containing protein expressed selectively in insulin-producing beta cell lines, has been shown to activate insulin gene transcription.

LMX1b encodes a member of LIM-homeodomain family of proteins containing two N-terminal zinc-binding LIM domains, 1 homeodomain, and a C-terminal glutamine-rich domain. It functions as a transcription factor, and is essential for the normal development of dorsal limb structures, the glomerular basement membrane, the anterior segment of the eye, and dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons. Mutations in this gene are associated with nail-patella syndrome.