Mesenchyme homeobox 1 (MEOX1)

Mesenchyme homeobox 1 (MEOX1) is a DNA-binding transcription factor that belongs to the homeobox family. It is essential for development, particularly for somite segmentation—the process that separates the vertebrae—and for proper skeletal patterning. MEOX1 regulates the expression of other genes by binding to their promoters, and is critical for vertebral and cranio-cervical joint formation. Pathogenic mutations in MEOX1 cause Klippel-Feil syndrome, a disorder characterized by congenital fusion of cervical vertebrae. In adult tissues, MEOX1 drives fibroblast activation and fibrotic remodeling in response to TGF-β signaling, making it an attractive therapeutic target in cardiac fibrosis. Additionally, MEOX1 has complex, context-dependent roles in cancer biology and immune cell regulation[1][3][4][6][7].

Other names

Homeobox protein MOX-1MOX1MEOX1_HUMANKFS2

Not established for drugs; described as a potential druggable target in fibrotic disease, with experimental knockdown or inhibition impacting fibroblast activation and fibrosis[6].