NKX2-1 (NK2 homeobox 1) has been identified as a thyroid-specific transcription factor that binds and activates the promoter of thyroid specific genes such as thyroglobulin and thyrotropin receptor. NKX2-1 is crucial in the maintenance of the thyroid differentiation phenotype and morphogenesis. It contains one homeobox DNA-binding domain. NKX2-1 also may play a role in lung development and surfactant homeostasis. Mutations and deletions in this gene are associated with benign hereditary chorea, congenital hypothyroidism, neonatal respiratory distress, and may be associated with thyroid cancer. NKX2-1 has been suggested to be a candidate suppressor of malignant progression.Synonyms: Homeobox protein NK-2 homolog A, Homeobox protein Nkx-2.1, NKX2-1, Nkx-2.1, TITF1, TTF-1, Thyroid nuclear factor 1, Thyroid transcription factor 1