Caudal Type Homeobox Transcription Factor 1 (CDX1)

CDX1 is a member of the caudal-related homeobox transcription factor gene family. The encoded DNA-binding protein regulates intestine-specific gene expression and enterocyte differentiation. It has been shown to induce expression of the intestinal alkaline phosphatase gene, and inhibit beta-catenin/T-cell factor transcriptional activity. The nucleotide sequence of CDX1 was 81% identical to murine Cdx1 and predicted a 265-amino acid protein with 85% identity to the mouse protein (or 98% identity when the conservative amino acid changes were included). Northern analysis indicated that expression of CDX1 in adults appears to be limited to the intestine and colon, suggesting a possible role in the terminal differentiation of the intestine.