LHX1

LHX1, or LIM homeobox 1, is a gene in humans that encodes a transcription factor belonging to the LIM-homeodomain (LIM-HD) family. LIM-HD proteins are characterized by the combination of two LIM zinc-finger domains and a homeodomain, which together facilitate protein interactions and sequence-specific DNA binding.

LHX1 functions as a developmental regulator, shaping gene expression programs during embryogenesis. In the nervous system, it participates in neural patterning and the specification of neuronal subtypes, and it is involved in broader aspects of neural circuit formation. Additional evidence points to roles in organogenesis, with particular emphasis on the formation and differentiation of tissues derived from multiple lineages; however, the precise contexts and mechanisms are still being defined.

Expression of LHX1 is predominantly observed during embryonic development in neural tissues and selected organ primordia, with reduced expression in adult tissues. The protein is typically part of regulatory networks that include interactions with other transcription factors and cofactors, enabling combinatorial control of target genes.

From an evolutionary perspective, LHX1 is conserved across vertebrates, and vertebrate model organisms are used to study its function. In research, altered LHX1 expression or function has been associated with developmental abnormalities in model systems, underlining its importance for normal tissue formation.

See also: LIM domain, homeobox genes, LIM-homeodomain family.

This article presents a concise overview of LHX1 as a developmental transcription factor and notes that ongoing research continues to refine its roles and clinical relevance.