T protein is involved in the transcriptional regulation of genes required for mesoderm formation and differentiation. It binds to a palindromic site (called T site) and activates gene transcription when bound to such a site.The protein encoded by this gene is an embryonic nuclear transcription factor that binds to a specific DNA element, the palindromic T-site. It binds through a region in its N-terminus, called the T-box, and effects transcription of genes required for mesoderm formation and differentiation. The protein is localized to notochord-derived cells.