Forkhead box protein N1 (FOXN1)

Transcriptional regulator which regulates the development, differentiation, and function of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) both from the prenatal and postnatal thymus. Acts as a master regulator of the TECs lineage development and is required from the onset of differentiation in progenitor TECs from the developing fetus to the final differentiation steps whereby TECs grow to acquire their full functionality.

Regulates, either directly or indirectly the expression of many different genes that mediate diverse features of thymus development and function, including MHC Class II, DLL4, CCL25, CTSL, CD40 and PAX1. Essential for upkeep of mTECs population in the postnatal thymus.