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Target intelligence / Profile preview
Transcription factor 21 (TCF21)
- Target
- TCF21
- Molecular classification
- Transcription factor, Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family
01
Overview
Transcription factor 21 (TCF21) is a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor encoded by the TCF21 gene on chromosome 6. It is highly expressed in several embryonic mesodermal tissues and is essential for the development of the heart, lung, kidney, and spleen. TCF21 regulates cell-fate specification, differentiation, and mesenchymal properties through control of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. It functions as a tumor suppressor, with promoter methylation often observed in cancers such as non–small cell lung cancer, and has been implicated in cardiovascular disease risk due to genetic variants. Loss of TCF21 leads to developmental defects and perinatal lethality in animal models. Despite its biological importance and disease association, there are currently no approved drugs targeting TCF21 directly. TCF21 methylation status serves as a biomarker in oncology research and clinical diagnosis
- Other names
- Pod-1CapsulinEpicardinMyoRa2
02
Biological functions
Cell-fate specificationCell differentiationMesoderm developmentEmbryonic organ development (heart, lung, kidney, spleen)Regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)Cell proliferationTumor suppression
03
Disease associations
Cancer (including lung cancer and other malignancies, as TCF21 acts as a tumor suppressor)Cardiovascular disease (TCF21 SNPs are associated with coronary artery disease risk)Congenital defects (involved in kidney and lung development, ventricular septal defect)
04
Safety considerations
Developmental toxicity (knockdown or loss-of-function in embryos results in fatal developmental defects, indicating caution for any therapeutic interventions)Potential impact on cell fate and organ development when modulated
05
Biomarkers
TCF21 promoter methylation (used as a biomarker for lung cancer and potentially other tumors)
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