NKX6-1
Encyclopedia
Homeobox protein Nkx-6.1 is a protein
that in humans is encoded by the NKX6-1 gene
.
, NKX6.1 is required for the development of beta cell
s and is a potent bifunctional transcription regulator that binds to AT-rich sequences within the promoter region of target genes.
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
that in humans is encoded by the NKX6-1 gene
Gene
A gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...
.
Function
In the pancreasPancreas
The pancreas is a gland organ in the digestive and endocrine system of vertebrates. It is both an endocrine gland producing several important hormones, including insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin, as well as a digestive organ, secreting pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes that assist...
, NKX6.1 is required for the development of beta cell
Beta cell
Beta cells are a type of cell in the pancreas located in the so-called islets of Langerhans. They make up 65-80% of the cells in the islets.-Function:...
s and is a potent bifunctional transcription regulator that binds to AT-rich sequences within the promoter region of target genes.