LIM/homeobox protein Lhx3 is a
protein
Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residue (biochemistry), residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including Enzyme catalysis, catalysing metab ...
that in humans is encoded by the ''LHX3''
gene
In biology, the word gene has two meanings. The Mendelian gene is a basic unit of heredity. The molecular gene is a sequence of nucleotides in DNA that is transcribed to produce a functional RNA. There are two types of molecular genes: protei ...
.
Function
''LHX3'' encodes a protein of a large protein family, members of which carry the
LIM domain
LIM domains are protein structural domains, composed of two contiguous zinc fingers, separated by a two-amino acid residue hydrophobic linker. The domain name is an acronym of the three genes in which it was first identified (LIN-11, Isl-1 and M ...
, a unique cysteine-rich zinc-binding domain. The encoded protein is a transcription factor that is required for
pituitary
The pituitary gland or hypophysis is an endocrine gland in vertebrates. In humans, the pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain, protruding off the bottom of the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus control much of th ...
development and
motor neuron
A motor neuron (or motoneuron), also known as efferent neuron is a neuron whose cell body is located in the motor cortex, brainstem or the spinal cord, and whose axon (fiber) projects to the spinal cord or outside of the spinal cord to directly o ...
specification. Two transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been identified for this gene.
Clinical significance
Mutations in this gene have been associated with a syndrome of combined pituitary hormone deficiency and rigid cervical spine.
Interactions
LHX3 has been shown to
interact
Advocates for Informed Choice, dba interACT or interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advocating for the legal and human rights of children with intersex traits. The organization was founded in 2006 and fo ...
with
Ldb1
LIM domain-binding protein 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''LDB1'' gene.
Interactions
LDB1 has been shown to interact with other proteins such as LMO4, TCF3
Transcription factor 3 (E2A immunoglobulin enhancer-binding factor ...
.
References
Further reading
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External links
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Transcription factors
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