Homeobox protein Meis1 (MEIS1)

Homeobox protein Meis1 is a transcription factor encoded by the MEIS1 gene in humans, located on chromosome 2p14. It belongs to the TALE (three amino acid loop extension) family of homeodomain-containing proteins, which play vital roles in normal development and neoplasia. MEIS1 primarily functions as a transcriptional regulator—often in cooperation with PBX and HOX proteins—controlling gene expression involved in blood cell formation, vascular patterning, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. MEIS1’s dysregulation is implicated in several cancers, notably leukemia, making it a promising therapeutic target. Inhibitors have been developed that disrupt its function, primarily by interfering with its protein interactions or DNA binding. The protein is mainly nuclear, but has also been observed in the cytoplasm under certain pathological or developmental conditions. Expression levels and promoter methylation status can serve as biomarkers in cancer and other diseases.

Other names

Meis homeobox 1MEIS1Homeobox protein Meis1Meis1

Inhibition of MEIS1’s transcriptional activity and protein-protein interactions (especially with HOX and PBX proteins) Disruption of MEIS1-dependent cell proliferation pathways, leading to anti-proliferative or cytotoxic effects in cancer cells