HAND1

HAND1

A gene on chromosome 5q33 that encodes a DNA-binding basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor which plays an essential role in trophoblast differentiation and in cardiac morphogenesis; in adults, it may be required for ongoing expression of cardiac-specific genes. HAND1 dimerises with TCF3 gene products E12 and E47 and hairy-related transcription factors (HAND2, HEY1, HEY2 and HEYL), and it interacts with MDFIC. It is expressed in the heart.