IRX5

IRX5 (Iroquois Homeobox 5) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the IRX5 gene. It is a member of the Iroquois homeobox gene family and plays a role in an array of biological processes and developmental programs.

Function

IRX5 is a transcription factor that is part of the Iroquois homeobox gene family. These genes are evolutionarily conserved in vertebrates and are known to play crucial roles in early development. IRX5, like other members of this family, is believed to regulate the pattern of anatomical structures in a variety of organisms.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the normal expression pattern of IRX5 have been associated with a variety of human diseases. For instance, mutations in IRX5 have been linked to congenital heart disease, one of the most common types of birth defect. In addition, IRX5 has been implicated in certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and leukemia.

Research

Research into the function and clinical significance of IRX5 is ongoing. Current studies are focused on understanding the precise role of IRX5 in development and disease, with the aim of developing new therapeutic strategies for conditions associated with IRX5 dysregulation.

File:IRX5 protein structure.jpg

The structure of the IRX5 protein. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

See Also

• Iroquois homeobox gene family
• Transcription factor
• Congenital heart disease
• Breast cancer
• Leukemia