Transcription factor 15 (TCF15)

Transcription factor 15is found in the nucleus and may be involved in the early transcriptional regulation of patterning of the mesoderm. The encoded basic helix-loop-helix protein requires dimerization with another basic helix-loop-helix protein for efficient DNA binding. bHLH-EC2 is expressed in early mesoderm and in developing somites in the mouse embryo. Because of its homology to other bHLH proteins and its pattern of embryonic expression, it was postulated that it functions as an early transcriptional regulator, involved in the patterning of the mesoderm and in lineage determination of cell types derived from the mesoderm. In keeping with established guidelines for gene terminology, this gene was designated TCF15. TCF refers to 'transcription factor' and is a designation provided by the HGM Nomenclature Group.