Cone-rod homeobox protein (CRX)

Transcription factor that binds and transactivates the sequence 5'-TAATC[CA]-3' which is found upstream of many photoreceptor-specific genes, including the opsin genes. Acts synergistically with other transcription factors, such as NRL, RORB and RAX, to regulate photoreceptor cell-specific gene transcription.

Essential for the maintenance of mammalian photoreceptors. .