ZEB2

ZEB2 (Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 2) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ZEB2 gene. It is a member of the ZEB family of transcription factors, which play a crucial role in cell differentiation and development.

Function

ZEB2 is a SMAD-interacting protein, which means it interacts with SMAD proteins to regulate gene expression. It is involved in various biological processes, including neural crest formation, craniofacial development, and skeletal development. ZEB2 also plays a role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that is critical for embryogenesis and tumor progression.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the ZEB2 gene are associated with Mowat-Wilson syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by distinctive facial features, intellectual disability, and other physical abnormalities. Research is ongoing to understand the role of ZEB2 in other diseases, including cancer.

See also

• ZEB1
• Transcription factor
• SMAD
• Mowat-Wilson syndrome