NK6 Homeobox Protein 3 (NKX6-3)

The NKX family of homeodomain proteins controls numerous developmental processes. Members of the NKX6 subfamily, including NKX6-3, are involved in development of the central nervous system (CNS), gastrointestinal tract, and pancreas.

In contrast to Nkx6.1 and Nkx6.2 that are broadly expressed in ventral positions of the developing CNS, expression of Nkx6.3 was selective to a subpopulation of differentiating V2 neurons at caudal hindbrain levels. Nkx6.3 expression was also detected in stomach duodenal regions, limited to a more caudal region of the developing stomach. Expression of Nkx6.3 shifted to overlap with Nkx6.2 in the stomach between E10.5 and E12.5 and duodenal Nkx6.3 expression was dramatically reduced between E16.5 and birth.