Eomesodermin (EOMES)

EOMES encodes a member of a conserved protein family that shares a common DNA-binding domain, the T-box. T-box genes encode transcription factors involved in the regulation of developmental processes. A similiar gene disrupted in mice is shown to be essential during trophoblast development and gastrulation.

Mutations in the mouse T (Brachyury) gene cause defects in mesoderm formation. Several related genes, members of the T-box gene family, encode a similar N-terminal DNA-binding domain, the T-box, and play critical roles in human embryonic development. Mutations in human TBX5 and TBX3, for example, cause the developmental disorders Holt-Oram syndrome and ulnar-mammary syndrome, respectively.