Mesenchyme Homeobox Protein 2 (MEOX2)

MEOX2 encodes a member of a subfamily of non-clustered, diverged, antennapedia-like homeobox-containing genes. The encoded protein may play a role in the regulation of vertebrate limb myogenesis. Mutations in the related mouse protein may be associated with craniofacial and/or skeletal abnormalities, in addition to neurovascular dysfunction observed in Alzheimer's disease.In situ hybridization analysis during murine embryogenesis indicated that the Mox2 gene is expressed in a wide range of mesodermal structures, including somites and vertebrae, the developing limbs, groups of muscles of the head, and the developing palate. These findings suggested that mutations in the human homolog of the Mox2 gene may be involved in craniofacial and/or skeletal abnormalities.