PDX1, also known as pancreatic duodenum homeobox-1, is a transcription factor encoded by a Hox-like homeodomain gene that plays a crucial role in pancreatic development, 尾-cell differentiation, and the maintenance of mature 尾-cell functions. It was first identified as a nuclear endodermal protein expressed in the epithelium of the duodenum and the pancreas. PDX1 activates the expression of several pancreas-associated genes, including insulin, somatostatin, glucokinase, and others. The PDX1 gene is highly conserved among different species and is composed of two exons encoding a protein of 283 amino acids. It is regulated by numerous distant enhancers and transcription factors, which are essential for pancreatic organogenesis and 尾-cell function. Research has shown that the overexpression of PDX1 promotes 尾-cell differentiation and insulin secretion, while its absence increases susceptibility to diabetes. Therefore, PDX1 is considered a promising therapeutic target for treating diabetes.
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