BARX1 [MD193]

BarX1 is a member of the Bar subclass of homeobox transcription factors. Studies of the Mouse and chick homolog suggest the encoded protein may play a role in developing teeth and craniofacial mesenchyme of neural crest origin. The protein may also be associated with differentiation of stomach epithelia. Down-regulation of Barx1 promotes HCC migration, invasion and metastasis, whereas up-regulation of Barx1 inhibits HCC migration, invasion and metastasis. The loss of Barx1 expression represents a prognostic biomarker in human HCC.