Hesx1 is a class of homeodomain proteins that bind to DNA []. It has been shown that Hesx1 functions as a transcriptional repressor required for normal forebrain development, eyes and other structures such as the olfactory placodes and pituitary gland []. It has been described that alterations in Hesx1 produce impairment of its DNA binding properties leading to Septo-Optic Dysplasia (SOD) in humans, which exhibits optic nerve and pituitary gland hypoplasia as well as midline brain abnormalities like absence of the corpus callosum and septum pellucidum [].This entry represents Hesx1A, Hesx1B and ANF-1.
