Pancreas/duodenum homeobox protein 1 (PDX1)

Pancreas/duodenum homeobox protein 1 (PDX1) is a homeodomain-containing transcription factor that is a master regulator of pancreatic organogenesis and a key determinant of both pancreatic β-cell development and mature function[1][2][3][4][7]. PDX1 is essential for pancreas formation, maintenance of β-cell identity, and regulation of insulin and other islet hormone genes. Loss of PDX1 function results in pancreatic agenesis in development and β-cell dysfunction or death in adults, leading to various forms of diabetes[3][4]. PDX1 is also expressed in the developing and adult duodenum, where it maintains duodenal cell differentiation[3]. Clinically, PDX1 is notable as an autoantigen in Type 1 diabetes, with circulating autoantibodies detectable in patients[5]. It is considered a major molecular target for strategies aimed at β-cell regeneration and reprogramming in diabetes therapy[5].

Other names

pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1insulin promoter factor 1IPF1PDX-1

As a transcription factor, PDX1 is targeted in strategies for regenerative medicine, including β-cell regeneration and cellular reprogramming for diabetes treatment[5].