THE PTX FAMILY OF HOMEODOMAIN TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS DURING PITUITARY DEVELOPMENTS

A subfamily of bicoid-related homeodomain factors was recently discove red through its involvement in transcription of pituitary-specific gen es. We isolated the first member of this family, Ptx1 (pituitary homeo box 1), through its DNA binding properties whereas a second related ge ne, Ptx2 (RIEG), was identified by positional cloning as the causative gene for Rieger's syndrome. The mechanisms of Ptx action on its targe t genes as well as its putative roles during development are reviewed with particular emphasis on its role in pituitary function. (C) 1998 E lsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.