HoxD4 Activators

HoxD4 is a protein encoded by the HOXD4 gene, which is part of the Homeobox gene family. This family is highly conserved across many species and plays a pivotal role in developmental biology. Homeobox genes are known for their involvement in regulating the body plan of the developing embryo, dictating the formation of structures along the anterior-posterior axis.

The HoxD4 protein, like other Homeobox proteins, functions primarily as a transcription factor. It binds to specific DNA sequences and regulates the expression of genes involved in the development of bodily segments. In particular, HoxD4 is crucial in the formation of the vertebral column and the central nervous system. Its expression is tightly controlled both spatially and temporally during embryonic development, ensuring the correct formation of body structures.Mutations or misregulation of the HOXD4 gene can lead to developmental abnormalities. In vertebrates, the precise expression of HoxD4 is essential for the proper development of the cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae. Its role is not just limited to early development; it also has implications in the maintenance of tissue identity and function in adult organisms.