LIM homeobox 1 (LHX1, also called LIM1) is expressed in developing lateral plate mesoderm and intermediate mesoderm of the late-streak stage embryo at gastrulation (inferred from the mouse homolog in mouse embryos). Later, by the 6-somite stage, expression of LHX1 becomes restricted to the intermediate mesoderm (inferred from the mouse homolog). LHX1 is required for formation of nephric ducts, kidneys, and gonads (inferred from mouse embryos). OSR1 activates LHX1 expression (inferred from mouse homologs). Subsequent expression of LHX1 in the developing kidney requires PAX2 and PAX8 (inferred from mouse homologs). FOXC1 and FOXC2 in paraxial mesoderm repress expression of LHX1 and restrict expansion of the intermediate mesoderm (inferred from mouse homologs).
In vitro, human induced pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated by retinoic acid and FGF2 into intermediate mesoderm that expresses LHX1 (Lam et al. 2014).