TBX1

T-box transcription factor TBX1 also known as T-box protein 1 and testis-specific T-box protein is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the TBX1 is_associated_with::gene. Genes in the is_associated_with::T-box family play important roles in the formation of tissues and organs during embryonic development. To carry out these roles, proteins made by this gene family bind to specific areas of is_associated_with::DNA. By attaching to critical regions near genes, the proteins help control the activity of those genes. T-box proteins are called is_associated_with::transcription factors on the basis of this action.

Gene
The TBX1 gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 22 at position 11.21, from is_associated_with::base pair 18,118,779 to base pair 18,145,669.

Function
The T-box 1 protein appears to be necessary for the normal development of large arteries that carry blood out of the is_associated_with::heart, is_associated_with::muscles and is_associated_with::bones of the face and neck, and glands such as the is_associated_with::thymus and is_associated_with::parathyroid. Although the T-box 1 protein acts as a transcription factor, it is not yet known which genes are regulated by the protein.

Clinical signficance
Most cases of is_associated_with::22q11.2 deletion syndrome are caused by the deletion of a small piece of chromosome 22. This region of the chromosome contains about 30 is_associated_with::genes, including the TBX1 gene. In a small number of affected individuals without a chromosome 22 deletion, is_associated_with::mutations in the TBX1 gene are thought to be responsible for the characteristic signs and symptoms of the syndrome. Of the three known mutations, two mutations change one is_associated_with::amino acid (a building block of proteins) in the T-box 1 protein. The third mutation deletes a single amino acid from the protein. These mutations likely disrupt the ability of the T-box 1 protein to bind to DNA and regulate the activity of other genes.

Loss of the TBX1 gene, due to either a mutation in the gene or a deletion of part of chromosome 22, is responsible for many of the features of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Specifically, a loss of the TBX1 gene is associated with heart defects, an opening in the roof of the mouth (a is_associated_with::cleft palate), distinctive facial features, and low calcium levels, but does not appear to cause learning disabilities.