TSHZ3

Teashirt homolog 3 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the TSHZ3 is_associated_with::gene. In mice, it is a necessary part of the neural circuitry that controls breathing. The gene is also a homolog of the is_associated_with::Drosophila melanogaster teashirt gene, which encodes a is_associated_with::zinc finger is_associated_with::transcription factor important for development of the trunk.

Tshz3-knockout mice do not develop the respiratory rhythm generator (RRG) neural circuit, which is a pacemaker that produces an oscillating rhythm in the brainstem and controls autonomous breathing. The RRG is_associated_with::neurons are present, but are abnormal. Those mice do not survive because they don't initiate breathing after birth. Tshz-3 is being studied for its relationship to infant breathing defects in humans.