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General Comment |
Geserick C, et al 2002 reported that OTEX is an androgen-regulated human member of the paired-like
class of homeobox genes.
Paired genes emerged early in evolution and code for homeobox transcription factors
playing fundamental roles in various biological processes. The authors identified a novel,
human member of the paired-like class named OTEX. A phylogenetic
analysis revealed that OTEX belonged to the recently defined PEPP subfamily of
paired-like homeobox genes. It was organised in three introns and, like the other
PEPP genes, it mapped to chromosome X. Its transcripts were mainly detected in the
ovary, testis and epididymis, and also in the prostate and mammary gland. In the
PC-3/ARwt prostate cell line, OTEX expression was dramatically stimulated
following androgen treatment. Immunofluorescence studies revealed an exclusively
nuclear localisation of the OTEX protein. Mutation of the RARCRRHQRE sequence
present at the C-terminus of the OTEX homeodomain (HD) resulted in a mainly
cytoplasmic localisation, indicating that this motif harboured the nuclear localisation
signal (NLS). No inherent transactivation function was seen for OTEX using the
one-hybrid assay and no homodimer formation was observed in the two-hybrid assay,
suggesting additional partners were needed for this activity. Altogether the data
showed that OTEX represented a novel, androgen-regulated paired-like homeobox
protein with possibly an important role in human reproduction.
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