The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix family of transcription factors. This gene product is one of two closely related family members , the HAND proteins , which are asymmetrically expressed in the developing ventricular chambers and play an essential role in cardiac morphogenesis. Working in a complementary fashion , they function in the formation of the right ventricle and aortic arch arteries , implicating them as mediators of congenital heart disease. In addition , it has been suggested that this transcription factor may be required for early trophoblast differentiation. [provided by RefSeq , Jul 2008] ,
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