TCF21
TCF21 (transcription factor 21, also known as POD1 and bHLHa23) is a nuclear basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor. It is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during kidney and lung morphogenesis and may contribute to epicardial cell differentiation. Browse Assay Genie's current range of TCF21 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
TCF21 is a transcription factor that acts in the nucleus and is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during kidney and lung morphogenesis. These interactions include epithelial differentiation and branching morphogenesis. TCF21 may also play a role in the specification or differentiation of one or more subsets of epicardial cell types.
The TCF21 gene encodes a member of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family, listed by HGNC within the basic helix-loop-helix proteins gene group. The TCF21 protein is mesoderm specific. It is expressed in the embryonic epicardium and in mesenchyme-derived tissues of the lung, gut and gonad. In the kidney it is found in both mesenchymal and glomerular epithelial cells. This restricted pattern fits its reported role in developmental signalling between mesenchymal and epithelial compartments.
Two transcript variants of the TCF21 gene have been identified, and both encode the same protein. The protein is also known as POD1 and bHLHa23. The mouse ortholog is Tcf21. Researchers studying kidney, lung and heart development, or mesoderm-derived cell lineages, often use TCF21 as a marker and as a subject of investigation, including through TCF21 antibody and TCF21 ELISA kit based approaches.
TCF21 is expressed in kidney mesenchymal and glomerular epithelial cells and is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in kidney morphogenesis.
TCF21 contributes to epithelial differentiation and branching morphogenesis in the developing lung, and is expressed in lung mesenchyme-derived tissue.
TCF21 is expressed in the embryonic epicardium and may be involved in specifying or differentiating epicardial cell subsets.
As a mesoderm-specific bHLH transcription factor, TCF21 is a useful subject for studying gene regulation in mesenchyme-derived tissues such as gut and gonad.
TCF21 is a nuclear transcription factor involved in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in kidney and lung morphogenesis, including epithelial differentiation and branching morphogenesis. It may also play a role in the specification or differentiation of one or more subsets of epicardial cell types.
TCF21 is also known as POD1 and bHLHa23, and its full name is transcription factor 21. Two transcript variants have been described for the gene, but both encode the same protein, so there is a single protein sequence.
A mouse ortholog, Tcf21, exists, which allows developmental studies of TCF21 function in mouse models. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity. TCF21 expression is mesoderm specific, including embryonic epicardium and mesenchyme-derived tissues.
Other TCF-named transcription factors, including bHLH and related family members, with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt O43680; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.