The crux of Cux genes in neuronal function and plasticity

•Cut/Cux/CDP family of proteins belongs to the CUT class of homeobox genes.•Cux genes are expressed during neurogenesis and in specific neuronal subpopulations.•Perturbation of Cux expression is implicated in various diseases.•Expression of Cux1/2 in the cortex is restricted to neurons of the upper layers.•Cux1 and Cux2 TF are potential targets for plasticity and reprogramming.