Orthodenticle Homeobox Protein 1 (OTX1)

OTX1 encodes a member of the bicoid sub-family of homeodomain-containing transcription factors. The encoded protein acts as a transcription factor and may play a role in brain and sensory organ development. A similar protein in mice is required for proper brain and sensory organ development and can cause epilepsy.Tissue expression of OTX1 is similar to that of OTX2 but is more restricted . Otx1 mRNA was expressed by precursors of deep-layer neurons within cortical layers 5 and 6 of the rat brain during both postnatal and adult life.Otx1 is expressed in most layer 5 and 6 pyramidal cells throughout the developing and adult brain.OTX1 is a homeobox family gene related to a gene expressed in the developing Drosophila head termed 'orthodenticle.' OTX transcription factors bind with high affinity to TAATCC/T elements on DNA.