Recombinant Proteins
Product List
SIX1 Human
SIX Homeobox 1 Human Recombinant
SIX1 is fused to a 24 amino acid His-tag at N-terminus & purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
SIX6 Human
SIX Homeobox 6 Human Recombinant
SIX6 is fused to a 23 amino acid His-tag at N-terminus & purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Introduction
The SIX homeobox genes are a family of transcription factors characterized by the presence of a homeobox domain, which is a DNA sequence that encodes a protein domain capable of binding DNA. These genes play crucial roles in the regulation of developmental processes across a wide range of species, from fruit flies to humans . The SIX family is divided into three subfamilies in vertebrates: the so subfamily (Six1 and Six2), the optix subfamily (Six3 and Six6), and the DSix4 subfamily (Six4 and Six5) .
Key Biological Properties: SIX homeobox genes encode transcription factors that regulate gene expression to promote self-renewal of progenitor cell populations and govern mechanisms of cell differentiation . They share a conserved N-terminal SIX domain adjacent to a homeodomain, which function as protein-protein and DNA binding domains, respectively .
Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: SIX genes are expressed in various tissues during embryonic development and in adult tissues. For example, Six1 and Six2 are expressed in the developing kidney, muscle, and craniofacial structures, while Six3 and Six6 are primarily expressed in the developing eye and brain .
Primary Biological Functions: SIX homeobox genes are key regulators of developmental processes, including organogenesis and cell differentiation . They are involved in the formation of the eye, kidney, muscle, and craniofacial structures .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: While the primary focus of SIX homeobox genes is on development, there is emerging evidence that they may also play roles in immune responses and pathogen recognition, although this area requires further research .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: SIX proteins interact with other transcription factors and co-factors to regulate gene expression. For example, Six3 interacts with Shh (Sonic Hedgehog) to repress Wnt signaling, allowing for proper dorsoventral patterning of the telencephalon .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: SIX proteins bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate the transcription of target genes. They can activate or repress gene expression depending on the context and the presence of co-factors .
Transcriptional Regulation: The expression of SIX genes is tightly regulated at the transcriptional level by various signaling pathways and transcription factors . For example, Six3 is regulated by Shh signaling in the developing brain .
Post-Translational Modifications: SIX proteins undergo post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, which can affect their stability, localization, and activity .
Biomedical Research: SIX homeobox genes are studied extensively in developmental biology and cancer research. They are used as markers to study organ development and differentiation .
Diagnostic Tools: Mutations in SIX genes are associated with various congenital disorders, making them potential diagnostic markers for genetic screening .
Therapeutic Strategies: Targeting SIX genes and their pathways holds potential for developing therapies for congenital disorders and cancers .
