Dmbx1 is a paired-box containing gene specifically expressed in the caudal most brain structures.

Homeobox genes encode a particular class of transcription factors that are involved in several different developmental processes such as specification of regional identity, cell determination and proliferation. In particular, during early brain morphogenesis, they provide a genetic code, which generates single rhombomere identity in the hindbrain (Science 284 (1999) 2168) and interneurons specification in the ventral neural tube (Nat. Rev. Genet. 1 (2000) 20). We have isolated a paired homeobox containing gene, which has been recently named Dmbx1 (Mech. Dev. 110 (2002) 241). Dmbx1 protein can be listed into the paired-like class, due to the highest homology in its homeodomain, with several other members of this family. With the exception of olfactory neurons, Dmbx1 is expressed only in the developing central nervous system and in particular during early determination and successive differentiation of the midbrain and caudal diencephalon. Interestingly, Dmbx1 expression labels cerebellar granule progenitors at the onset of differentiation and spinal cord V0 interneurons.