Glial Cells Missing Homolog 2 (GCM2)

GCM2 is a homolog of the Drosophila glial cells missing gene, which is thought to act as a binary switch between neuronal and glial cell determination. The protein encoded by this gene contains a conserved N-terminal GCM motif that has DNA-binding activity. The protein is a transcription factor that acts as a master regulator of parathyroid development. It has been suggested that this transcription factor might mediate the effect of calcium on parathyroid hormone expression and secretion in parathyroid cells.The predicted 506-amino acid GCMB protein contains the structures common to all gcm family members, including a gcm motif and PEST-like sequence. In addition, both human and mouse GCMB have a nuclear targeting sequence. Overall, the GCMB protein shares 68% and 47% similarity with Gcmb and GCMA, respectively.