Background information
The FOX family of transcription factors share a common DIUA binding domain termed a winged-helix or forkhead domain. Many FOX proteins play important roles in development, metabolism, cancer and aging. FOXD1 (also designated Brain Factor 2 or BF-2) is involved in regulating inflammation as well as kidney and retinal development. FOXD1 regulates the activity of NF-AT and NFkB. Deficiency of FOXD1 results in multiorgan, systemic inflammation, exaggerated Th cell-derived cytokine production, and T cell proliferation in autogolgous MLRs. In kidneys, FOXD1 controls the production of signals required for the normal transition of induced mesenchyme into tubular epithelium and full growth and branching of the collecting system. Deletion of FOXD1 results in renal abnormalities. FOXD2 acts as a modulator of T cell activation.
