HOPX Proteins

The protein encoded by this gene is a homeodomain protein that lacks certain conserved residues required for DNA binding. It was reported that choriocarcinoma cell lines and tissues failed to express this gene, which suggested the possible involvement of this gene in malignant conversion of placental trophoblasts. Studies in mice suggest that this protein may interact with serum response factor (SRF) and modulate SRF-dependent cardiac-specific gene expression and cardiac development. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants have been identified for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Feb 2009].