CRX Proteins

Protein Information

The cone-rod homeobox-containing gene (CRX) encodes a transcription factor that coordinates the expression of several photoreceptor genes in the developing retina, including opsin and rhodopsin. Specifically, CRX binds the OTX motif (TAATCC/A) upstream from photoreceptor genes. The CRX gene is also expressed in the pinealocytes of the pineal gland and may regulate pineal circadian activity by controling the expression of melatonin synthesis genes. Furthermore, CRX(-) mice exhibit disruption of circadian rhythms. The human CRX gene maps to chromosome 19q13.3 within the region of the cone-rod dystrophy-2 locus (CORD2). Mutations in the CRX gene are implicated in the visual pathologies of CORD, Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). All characterized CRX gene mutations produce disease in heterozygotes although there is no known correlation between the pathologic phenotype and genetic mutation. Missense mutations of the CRX gene affect the homeobox domain, whereas frameshift mutations affect the OTX domain.

Synonyms

Cone rod homeobox; cone-rod homeobox; cone-rod homeobox containing; cone-rod homeobox protein; CORD 2; CORD2; CRD; CRX; Crx1; LCA 7; LCA7; orthodenticle homeobox 3; OTX; OTX 3; OTX3