Intestine-specific homeobox (ISX)

Intestine-specific homeobox (ISX) is a transcription factor from the homeobox gene family, highly expressed in the intestine, where it regulates key genes involved in the metabolism of dietary vitamin A precursors such as β-carotene (by repressing BCO1 expression and modulating absorption and conversion of carotenoids). ISX is crucial for maintaining vitamin A homeostasis and normal intestinal immune responses; deficiency or genetic variation in ISX disrupts vitamin A metabolism, impairs gut immunity, and predisposes to inflammatory disease and abnormal lymphocyte infiltration. ISX is also implicated in cell proliferation and has been associated with the pathogenesis of certain cancers, such as gastric and liver cancer, where its dysregulation contributes to abnormal cellular growth and immune evasion.

Other names

RAXLXRAX-like homeoboxPix-1pancreas-intestine homeodomain transcription factor