Aristaless-like homeobox 3 (ALX3)

Aristaless-like homeobox 3 (ALX3) is a gene on chromosome 1p13.3 that codes for a nuclear homeobox protein functioning as a transcription factor, critical for the normal development of head and facial structures, particularly the nose[1][5][4]. Its protein binds DNA in a sequence-specific manner and regulates genes involved in cell proliferation, growth, and migration during embryogenesis[1][9]. Pathogenic mutations in ALX3 abolish DNA binding and regulation, causing poorly controlled cell migration and proliferation and resulting in frontonasal dysplasia type 1—a rare autosomal recessive disorder with abnormal craniofacial development including nasal and facial clefts, sometimes associated with other congenital anomalies[1][2][4][6][10]. ALX3 is not recognized as a druggable target, and as of current knowledge there are no direct pharmacological modulators, biomarkers for pharmacotherapy, or therapeutic safety concerns relevant to ALX3 itself.

Other names

ALX homeobox 3Homeobox protein aristaless-like 3Proline-rich transcription factor ALX3FNDFND1aristaless-like homeobox 3frontonasal dysplasiahomeobox protein aristaless-like 3