Forkhead Box Protein I2 (FOXI2)

Forkhead transcription factors comprise a large family of key regulators of embryonic development. Recently, the in silico identification of putative Foxi2 and Foxi3 genes was reported in mice. Foxi2 gene coding for a putative 311 amino acid protein resembling Foxi subfamily members in mice and other species. Expression analysis during the final stages of embryonic development revealed that Foxi2 is mainly expressed in epithelial structures, including the olfactory and dental epithelium. In addition, Foxi2 is expressed in submandibular and salivary ducts and endolymphatic duct in the inner ear. In the central nervous system, Foxi2 expression is restricted to the developing forebrain and the neural layer of the retina. Overall, the expression pattern of Foxi2 is consistent with a proposed role for FoxI transcription factors in controlling cellular identity.