Dmrta1, also known as doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor-like family A1, is a transcription factor. It plays crucial roles in various biological processes, such as neural development and may be involved in regulating proneural gene expression [2]. It also has implications in cancer-related pathways, potentially influencing cancer progression and chemotherapy resistance [1]. Genetic models can be valuable in studying its functions.

In esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), knockdown of Dmrta1 expression decreased the proliferation rate of esophageal squamous carcinoma cells, increased cisplatin sensitivity, and reduced immune escape. Mechanistically, Dmrta1 promotes its expression by binding to the promoter of SOX2 in a positive-feedback loop, which is important for ESCC progression and chemoresistance [1].

In the mammalian telencephalon, Dmrta1 expression was down-regulated in Pax6 homozygous mutant rats. Overexpression of Dmrta1 induced the expression of Neurogenin2 and repressed Ascl1, suggesting its role in cortical neurogenesis [2].

In conclusion, Dmrta1 is essential in neural development and cancer-related processes. Research using gene-knockdown models in ESCC has revealed its role in promoting cancer progression and chemotherapy resistance, highlighting its potential as a target for treating ESCC. In neural development, studies in rat models have shown its importance in regulating proneural gene expression and cortical neurogenesis.