| Modification Notes |
TGIF2 (TGF∫-induced factor homeobox 2), also called 5’-TG-3’-interacting factor 2, is a widely expressed protein with predominant expression in kidney, heart and testis, and it belongs to the TALE/TGIF homeobox family. Localizing to the nucleus, TGIF2 contains one homeobox DNA-binding domain and is believed to function as a transcriptional repressor. Similar to the closely related protein TGIF, TGIF2 recruits histone deacetylases (HDACs) to TGF∫-responsive genes, thereby mediating their transcriptional repression. Specifically, TGIF2 interacts with HDAC1 and the transcriptional modulator Smad3. Mutations in the gene encoding TGIF2 can result in holoprosencephaly, a disorder characterized by the underdevelopment of the prosencephalon. In addition, TGIF2 is overexpressed in some ovarian cancers, suggesting a possible role of TGIF2 in carcinogenesis. |