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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/tcf4/

TCF4 gene

transcription factor 4

Normal Function

The TCF4 gene provides instructions for making a protein that attaches (binds) to specific regions of DNA and helps control the activity of many other genes. On the basis of this action, the TCF4 protein is known as a transcription factor. The TCF4 protein is part of a group of proteins known as E-proteins. E-proteins each bind with another identical or similar protein and then bind to a specific sequence of DNA known as an E-box. E-proteins are involved in many aspects of development.

The TCF4 protein is found in the brain, muscles, lungs, and heart. This protein also appears to be active (expressed) in various tissues before birth. The TCF4 protein plays a role in the maturation of cells to carry out specific functions (cell differentiation) and the self-destruction of cells (apoptosis).

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Pitt-Hopkins syndrome

At least 50 mutations in the TCF4 gene have been found to cause Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, a condition characterized by severe intellectual disability and breathing problems. Some mutations delete a few building blocks of DNA (nucleotides) within the TCF4 gene, while other mutations delete the TCF4 gene as well as a number of genes that surround it. Still other TCF4 gene mutations replace single nucleotides. The type of the mutation does not appear to affect the severity of the condition.

TCF4 gene mutations disrupt the protein's ability to bind to DNA and control the activity of certain genes. These gene mutations typically do not affect the TCF4 protein's ability to bind to other proteins. The TCF4 protein's inability to bind to DNA and control the activity of certain genes, particularly those genes involved in nervous system development and function, contributes to the signs and symptoms of Pitt-Hopkins syndrome. It is also likely that the loss of the normal proteins that are attached to the nonfunctional TCF4 proteins contribute to the features of this condition.

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Distal 18q deletion syndrome

The TCF4 gene is involved in some cases of a condition called distal 18q deletion syndrome, which occurs when a piece of the long (q) arm of chromosome 18 is missing. The term "distal" means that the missing piece occurs near one end of the chromosome. Distal 18q deletion syndrome can lead to a wide variety of signs and symptoms among affected individuals, depending on which genes in this part of chromosome 18 are affected. People with this disorder whose deletions include the TCF4 gene usually have signs and symptoms of Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (described above) in addition to other features of distal 18q deletion syndrome that are likely associated with the loss of nearby genes.

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Fuchs endothelial dystrophy

MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Fuchs endothelial dystrophy

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Other Names for This Gene

  • bHLHb19
  • class B basic helix-loop-helix protein 19
  • E2-2
  • immunoglobulin transcription factor 2
  • ITF-2
  • ITF2
  • ITF2_HUMAN
  • SEF-2
  • SEF2
  • TCF-4

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Amiel J, Rio M, de Pontual L, Redon R, Malan V, Boddaert N, Plouin P, Carter NP, Lyonnet S, Munnich A, Colleaux L. Mutations in TCF4, encoding a class I basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, are responsible for Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, a severe epileptic encephalopathy associated with autonomic dysfunction. Am J Hum Genet. 2007 May;80(5):988-93. doi: 10.1086/515582. Epub 2007 Mar 23. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • de Pontual L, Mathieu Y, Golzio C, Rio M, Malan V, Boddaert N, Soufflet C, Picard C, Durandy A, Dobbie A, Heron D, Isidor B, Motte J, Newburry-Ecob R, Pasquier L, Tardieu M, Viot G, Jaubert F, Munnich A, Colleaux L, Vekemans M, Etchevers H, Lyonnet S, Amiel J. Mutational, functional, and expression studies of the TCF4 gene in Pitt-Hopkins syndrome. Hum Mutat. 2009 Apr;30(4):669-76. doi: 10.1002/humu.20935. Citation on PubMed
  • Takano K, Lyons M, Moyes C, Jones J, Schwartz CE. Two percent of patients suspected of having Angelman syndrome have TCF4 mutations. Clin Genet. 2010 Sep;78(3):282-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2010.01380.x. Epub 2010 Feb 10. Citation on PubMed
  • Zweier C, Peippo MM, Hoyer J, Sousa S, Bottani A, Clayton-Smith J, Reardon W, Saraiva J, Cabral A, Gohring I, Devriendt K, de Ravel T, Bijlsma EK, Hennekam RC, Orrico A, Cohen M, Dreweke A, Reis A, Nurnberg P, Rauch A. Haploinsufficiency of TCF4 causes syndromal mental retardation with intermittent hyperventilation (Pitt-Hopkins syndrome). Am J Hum Genet. 2007 May;80(5):994-1001. doi: 10.1086/515583. Epub 2007 Mar 23. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central

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