CDX2

CDX-2 is a is_associated_with::homeobox gene that encodes the CDX-2 protein - a is_associated_with::transcription factor expressed in the nuclei of intestinal is_associated_with::epithelial cells.

Function
Cdx2 is the is_associated_with::gene that directs early is_associated_with::embryogenesis in mice. It is required to form the is_associated_with::placenta.

Ectopic expression of CDX2 was reported in more than 85% of the human patients with Acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Ectopic expression of Cdx2 in murine bone marrow induced AML in mice and upregulate Hox genes in bone marrow progenitors. CDX2 is also implicated in the pathogenesis of is_associated_with::Barrett's esophagus were it has been shown that components from gastroesofageal reflux such as is_associated_with::bile acids are able to induce the expression of an intestinal differentiation program through up-regulation of NF-κB and CDX2.

Biomarker for intestinal cancer
CDX2 is also used in diagnostic surgical pathology as a marker for gastrointestinal differentiation, especially colorectal.

Possible use in stem cell research
This gene (or, more specifically, the equivalent gene in humans) has come up in the proposal by the is_associated_with::President's Council on Bioethics, as a solution to the is_associated_with::stem cell controversy. According to one of the plans put forth, by deactivating the gene, it would not be possible for a properly organized embryo to form, thus providing stem cells without requiring the destruction of an embryo. Other genes that have been proposed for this purpose include Hnf4, which is required for is_associated_with::gastrulation.

Interactions
CDX2 has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::EP300, and is_associated_with::PAX6.