TFAP2C

Transcription factor AP-2 gamma also known as AP2-gamma is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TFAP2C gene. AP2-gamma is a member of the activating protein 2 family of transcription factors.

Transcription factor AP-2 gamma is involved in early development, specifically morphogenesis - the formation of shape. AP2-gamma can regulate gene transcription by interacting with viral and cellular enhancing components and binding to the sequence 5'-GCCNNNGGC-3’. AP2-gamma activates genes that are important for placenta development and retinoic acid-mediated differentiation of the eyes, face, body wall, limbs, and neural tube. AP2-gamma also suppresses genes such as MYC and C/EBP alpha. It also represses CD44 expression, which is a cell marker for some breast and prostate cancers. Mutations of this transcription factor can lead to poorly developed placenta and tissues. A mutated AP2-gamma gene is known to cause branchiooculofacial syndrome (BOFS), which is a disease characterized by face and neck abnormalities, such as cleft lip or anophthalmia – lack of eyeballs, that have developed prior to birth. Complete knockout of the TAP2C gene that encoded AP-2 gamma leads to placenta malformation and embryonic/fetal death.