Downstream of Otx2, or how to get a head

Otx2 is a member of a highly conserved family of homeodomain-containing tra nscription factors that function in early brain development. Recent studies have identified a significant number of target genes downstream of Otx2, a llowing us to address the question of how it fulfils its diverse developmen tal roles. Interestingly, many of these target genes are not transcription factors or signaling molecules, and they probably have no direct affect on gene expression. Furthermore, there is evidence that Otx2 coordinates the a ctivity of unrelated genes that have overlapping functions, and that it doe s so directly without intermediate transcriptional or signaling activity.