Transcription factor 15 (TCF15)

Transcription factor 15 (TCF15) is a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor expressed in the nucleus, which requires dimerization with another bHLH protein for efficient DNA binding. TCF15 plays a critical role in early embryonic development, particularly in somitogenesis (segmentation of mesoderm into somites needed for skeletal muscle and vertebrae formation) and in the mesenchymal to epithelial transition during somite formation. TCF15 is also involved in regulating the transition of pluripotent stem cells toward somatic differentiation by repressing Nanog and upregulating Otx2, thereby priming embryonic stem cells for differentiation. Its activity is modulated by FGF signaling (which induces its expression) and Id proteins (which inhibit its function). TCF15 is not currently known to be a direct therapeutic target (such as a druggable receptor or enzyme), but it has been studied as a key developmental regulator and is associated with certain rare congenital disorders. If additional information is needed, consult primary sources on TCF15’s gene and protein function, such as UniProt, GeneCards, and NCBI Gene.

Other names

bHLHA40BHLHEC2TCF-15bHLHa40EC2PARA-AXISParaxisProtein bHLH-EC2basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor 15class A basic helix-loop-helix protein 40transcription factor 15 (basic helix-loop-helix)