Homeobox protein SIX4 (Six4)

Transcriptional regulator which can behave as both a transcriptional repressor and activator by binding a DNA sequence on these target genes and is involved in processes like cell differentiation, cell migration and cell survival. Transactivates gene expression by binding a 5'-[CAT]A[CT][CT][CTG]GA[GAT]-3' motif present in the Trex site and from a 5'-TCA[AG][AG]TTNC-3' motif present in the MEF3 site of this muscle-specific genes enhancer (PubMed:14966291).

Acts synergistically with SIX1 to regulate target genes involved in creation of different organs, including muscle, kidney, gonad, ganglia, olfactory epithelium and cranial skeleton. Plays a role in several important steps of muscle development.