Engrailed: Complexity and economy of a multi-functional transcription factor

Abstract

Engrailed is a homeodomain-containing transcription factor with numerous, overlapping roles in neural development. Its multifunctional nature depends upon an extremely diverse group of molecular functions including the ability to regulate both transcription and translation, and to be released from and internalized by cells. Recent findings have shown how some of these functions relate to specific roles in development and disease. © 2006 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.