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The transcription factors Cdx1 and Cdx2 are members of the caudal-related homeobox gene family based on their homology to the factor caudal in Drosophila melanogaster. The caudal homeobox factor is required for anterior-posterior regional identity and axial patterning in Drosophila. During mouse development, the expression of Cdx1 and Cdx2 can be divided into two stages that likely reflect distinct roles. During early development, these two factors are expressed in a Hox-like manner in the three germ layers and appear to have overlapping functions in anterior-posterior patterning and posterior axis elongation. The second stage of Cdx1 and Cdx2 expression, from late development into adulthood, is characterized by the loss of expression almost everywhere but the epithelium of small intestine and colon. Putative intestine-specific enhancers upstream of the CDX1 gene have been identified that may orchestrate the switch in expression patterns for that gene. As might be expected from this pattern of expression, a wide variety of in vivo and in vitro studies have suggested that these two factors are important in controlling epithelial cell differentiation, proliferation, and function in the intestine.
