Homeobox protein NKX6.1 is a transcription factor (TF) that plays a critical role in pancreatic β cell function and proliferation. In human pancreatic islet, NKX6.1 expression is exclusive to β cells and is undetectable in other islet cells. As a Transcription factor, NKX6.1 binds to specific A/T-rich DNA sequences in the promoter regions of a number of genes. Involved in the development of insulin-producing beta cells in the islets of Langerhans at the secondary transition. Together with NKX2-2 and IRX3 acts to restrict the generation of motor neurons to the appropriate region of the neural tube. Belongs to the class II proteins of neuronal progenitor factors, which are induced by SHH signals.
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