FOXP2

This gene encodes a member of the forkhead/winged-helix (FOX) family of transcription factors. It is expressed in fetal and adult brain as well as in several other organs such as the lung and gut. The protein product contains a FOX DNA-binding domain and a large polyglutamine tract and is an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor, which may bind directly to approximately 300 to 400 gene promoters in the human genome to regulate the expression of a variety of genes. This gene is required for proper development of speech and language regions of the brain during embryogenesis, and may be involved in a variety of biological pathways and cascades that may ultimately influence language development. Mutations in this gene cause speech-language disorder 1 (SPCH1), also known as autosomal dominant speech and language disorder with orofacial dyspraxia. Multiple alternative transcripts encoding different isoforms have been identified in this gene.[provided by RefSeq, Feb 2010]

Forkhead Box P2

Transcriptional repressor that may play a role in the specification and differentiation of lung epithelium. May also play a role in developing neural, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular tissues. Can act with CTBP1 to synergistically repress transcription but CTPBP1 is not essential. Plays a role in synapse formation by regulating SRPX2 levels. Involved in neural mechanisms mediating the development of speech and language.

Caudate nucleus development Source: UniProtKB
Cerebral cortex development Source: BHF-UCL
Innate vocalization behavior Source: Ensembl
Negative regulation of transcription, DNA-templated Source: BHF-UCL
Negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II Source: GO_Central
Putamen development Source: UniProtKB
Regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II Source: GO_Central
Response to testosterone Source: Ensembl

Nucleus

Speech-language disorder 1 (SPCH1):
A disorder characterized by severe orofacial dyspraxia resulting in largely incomprehensible speech. Affected individuals have severe impairment in the selection and sequencing of fine orofacial movements which are necessary for articulation, and deficits in several facets of grammatical skills and language processing, such as the ability to break up words into their constituent phonemes.