ceh-2 encodes a homeodomain protein homologous to Drosophila empty spiracles (EMS) and the vertebrate EMX1 and EMX2 proteins (OMIM:600034, 600035); although the exact biological role of CEH-2 in C. elegans development and/or behavior is not yet known, expression in pharyngeal neurons and muscle, as well as vulval cells (vulB1, vulB2, and vulC) at late stages of development suggests that CEH-2 may play a role in terminal differentiation events in diverse cell types.
Predicted to enable DNA-binding transcription factor activity, RNA polymerase II-specific and RNA polymerase II cis-regulatory region sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Predicted to be involved in brain development; neuron differentiation; and regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. Located in nucleus. Expressed in neurons; pharynx; somatic nervous system; and vulva. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in carcinoma (multiple) and stomach cancer. Is an ortholog of human EMX1 (empty spiracles homeobox 1).
Map position created from combination of previous interpolated map position (based on known location of sequence) and allele information. Therefore this is not a genetic map position based on recombination frequencies or genetic experiments. This was done on advice of the CGC.