Homeobox protein MOX-2 (MEOX2)

Mesodermal transcription factor that plays an integral role in somitogenesis and is needed for sclerotome development (By similarity). Activates expression of CDKN1A and CDKN2A in endothelial cells, acting as a regulator of vascular cell proliferation.

While it activates CDKN1A at a DNA-dependent fashion, it disturbs CDKN2A in a DNA-independent way (PubMed:22206000). May have a regulatory function when quiescent vascular smooth muscle cells reenter the cell cycle.