Aristaless Related Homeobox Protein (ARX)

Aristaless related homeobox, also known as ARX is a protein associated with mental retardation and lissencephaly. The expressed protein contains two conserved domains, a C-peptide (or aristaless domain) and the prd-like class homeobox domain. It is a member of the group-II aristaless-related protein family whose members are expressed primarily in the central and/or peripheral nervous system. This gene is involved in CNS and pancreas development. This gene is involved in CNS and pancreas development.

Expressed predominantly in fetal and adult brain and skeletal muscle. Expression is specific to the telencephalon and ventral thalamus. There is an absence of expression in the cerebellum throughout development and also in adult.