NK6 homeobox 1 (NKX6-1)

NK6 homeobox 1 (NKX6-1) is a bifunctional homeobox transcription factor that binds AT-rich DNA sequences in the promoters of its target genes and plays a critical role in the development of pancreatic beta cells and the establishment of motor neuron identity in the nervous system[1][2][3][4][6][7]. In cancer biology, NKX6-1 acts as a tumor and metastasis suppressor by directly activating epithelial markers (such as E-cadherin) and repressing mesenchymal markers (such as vimentin and N-cadherin), thereby inhibiting the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) associated with cancer progression[1]. NKX6-1 gene promoter hypermethylation has been observed in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and squamous cell carcinomas, suggesting loss of function is involved in certain cancers[1]. Diseases linked to mutations or altered expression of NKX6-1 include forms of diabetes (such as MODY6) and developmental pancreatic disorders[3][6].

Other names

Homeobox protein Nkx-6.1NKX6ANkx6.1Homeobox protein NK-6 homolog ANK6 transcription factor homolog ANK6 transcription factor related locus 1NK homeo box family 6 member ANK homeobox family 6 A