HAND2

Heart- and neural crest derivatives-expressed protein 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HAND2 gene.

Function

The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix family of transcription factors. This gene product is one of two closely related family members, the HAND proteins, which are asymmetrically expressed in the developing ventricular chambers and play an essential role in cardiac morphogenesis. Working in a complementary fashion, they function in the formation of the right ventricle and aortic arch arteries, implicating them as mediators of congenital heart disease. In addition, this transcription factor plays an important role in limb and branchial arch development.

A progesterone-regulated transcription factor regulates stromal-epithelial communication in early pregnancy.

HAND2 is involved in the development of the tongue.

Interactions

HAND2 has been shown to interact with GATA4,PPP2R5D and PHOX2A.

References

Further reading

External links