A brain region-specific gene product Lhx6.1 interacts with Ldb1 through tandem LIM-domains.

LIM-homeodomain (LHX) transcription factors play critical roles in cell fate determination during development, in particular, in CNS. The transcriptional activity of several LHX proteins is postulated to be regulated by interaction with an LIM-domain binding protein, Ldb1. We have now identified a novel LHX molecule, termed Lhx6.1, that is closely related to a recently reported Lhx6 molecule. The Lhx6.1 transcript is found in several restricted regions in the developing CNS, mostly within the embryonic forebrain. We further show that Lhx6.1 interacts with Ldb1 through tandem LIM-domains, implying transcriptional regulation of Lhx6.1 by Ldb1.