ALX homeobox 4
Last updated 7 Apr 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
- Audio Version
- Add to preferred sources on Google
The ALX4 gene provides instructions for making a member of the homeobox protein family. Homeobox proteins direct the formation of body structures during early embryonic development. The ALX4 protein is necessary for normal development of the head.
Normal function
The ALX4 gene provides instructions for making a member of the homeobox protein family. Homeobox proteins direct the formation of body structures during early embryonic development. The ALX4 protein is necessary for normal development of the head.
The ALX4 protein is a transcription factor, which means that it attaches (binds) to DNA and controls the activity of certain genes. Specifically, the protein controls the activity of genes that regulate cell growth and division (proliferation), cell maturation and specialization (differentiation), cell movement (migration), and cell survival. The ALX4 protein also interacts with other transcription factors to help regulate these functions and ensure that cells start and stop growing at specific times and that they are positioned correctly during development.
Conditions referring to this gene or chromosome
Other names
homeodomain transcription factor ALX4
KIAA1788
PFM
Related patient information and medicines
Patient information leaflet
Travelling to remote locations
Before travelling, consult the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website (see under 'Further Reading and References' below) for advice on travelling to your destination. There could be local unrest or terrorist activity that does not make daily news in the UK but which could be a risk. Taking medication does not allow you to stay at....
Patient information leaflet
Alcohol and sensible drinking - safe limits of alcohol
In the UK, almost half of adults drink alcohol once a week or more. About a quarter of all adults report drinking more than the recommended weekly limit of alcohol. See your doctor or practice nurse if you are drinking above the safe limits and are finding it difficult to cut down. What are the recommended safe limits of alcohol. The UK's national.
Patient information leaflet
Insulin
See references below. Type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes is the type which occurs mostly in people aged over 40 years but is becoming more common in younger adults and in children. The first-line treatment is diet, weight control and physical activity. If the blood sugar level remains high despite these measures then tablets to reduce the blood sugar.
Patient information leaflet
Knock knees
Knock knees describes an unusual angle of the lower legs. Most commonly it is a normal shape as children's legs develop, but occasionally in children or adults it can cause problems or have an underlying cause. Most children who have knock knees grow out of the condition. What are knock knees. The medical term for knock knees is 'genu valgum' -.
Patient information leaflet
Can I take Levothyroxine and Omeprazole together?
Ou... Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them. Disclaimer This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions.
Patient information leaflet
Can I take Alogliptin and Fibre supplements together?
Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potentia... Disclaimer This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice..
Further reading and references
- ALX homeobox 4; MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
- Cain B, Yuan Z, Thoman E, Kovall RA, Gebelein B. The ALX4 dimer structure provides insight into how disease alleles impact function. Nat Commun. 2025 May 23;16(1):4800. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-59728-9.
- Griessenauer CJ, Veith P, Mortazavi MM, Stewart C, Grochowsky A, Loukas M, Tubbs RS. Enlarged parietal foramina: a review of genetics, prognosis, radiology, and treatment. Childs Nerv Syst. 2013 Apr;29(4):543-7. doi: 10.1007/s00381-012-1982-7. Epub 2012 Dec 4.
- Kayserili H, Uz E, Niessen C, Vargel I, Alanay Y, Tuncbilek G, Yigit G, Uyguner O, Candan S, Okur H, Kaygin S, Balci S, Mavili E, Alikasifoglu M, Haase I, Wollnik B, Akarsu NA. ALX4 dysfunction disrupts craniofacial and epidermal development. Hum Mol Genet. 2009 Nov 15;18(22):4357-66. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddp391. Epub 2009 Aug 19.
- Mavrogiannis LA, Wilkie AOM. Enlarged Parietal Foramina. 2004 Mar 30 [updated 2025 Jun 26]. In: Adam MP, Bick S, Mirzaa GM, Wallace SE, Amemiya A, editors. GeneReviews(R) [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2026. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1128/
- Romeike BF, Wuyts W. Proximal chromosome 11p contiguous gene deletion syndrome phenotype: case report and review of the literature. Clin Neuropathol. 2007 Jan-Feb;26(1):1-11. doi: 10.5414/npp26001.
- Wakui K, Gregato G, Ballif BC, Glotzbach CD, Bailey KA, Kuo PL, Sue WC, Sheffield LJ, Irons M, Gomez EG, Hecht JT, Potocki L, Shaffer LG. Construction of a natural panel of 11p11.2 deletions and further delineation of the critical region involved in Potocki-Shaffer syndrome. Eur J Hum Genet. 2005 May;13(5):528-40. doi: 10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201366.
- Wu YQ, Badano JL, McCaskill C, Vogel H, Potocki L, Shaffer LG. Haploinsufficiency of ALX4 as a potential cause of parietal foramina in the 11p11.2 contiguous gene-deletion syndrome. Am J Hum Genet. 2000 Nov;67(5):1327-32. doi: 10.1016/S0002-9297(07)62963-2. Epub 2000 Oct 3.
- Wuyts W, Cleiren E, Homfray T, Rasore-Quartino A, Vanhoenacker F, Van Hul W. The ALX4 homeobox gene is mutated in patients with ossification defects of the skull (foramina parietalia permagna, OMIM 168500). J Med Genet. 2000 Dec;37(12):916-20. doi: 10.1136/jmg.37.12.916.
- Wuyts W, Waeber G, Meinecke P, Schuler H, Goecke TO, Van Hul W, Bartsch O. Proximal 11p deletion syndrome (P11pDS): additional evaluation of the clinical and molecular aspects. Eur J Hum Genet. 2004 May;12(5):400-6. doi: 10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201163.
Join the conversation
Share your thoughts or experiences with others in our patient communities.
Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.