Biology:LEFTY2

Short description: Protein-coding gene in humans

Generic protein structure example

Left-right determination factor 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LEFTY2 gene.

Function

This gene encodes a member of the TGF-beta family of proteins. The encoded protein is secreted and plays a role in left-right asymmetry determination of organ systems during development. The protein may also play a role in endometrial bleeding. Mutations in this gene have been associated with left-right axis malformations, particularly in the heart and lungs. Some types of infertility have been associated with dysregulated expression of this gene in the endometrium. Alternative processing of this protein can yield three different products. This gene is closely linked to both a related family member and a related pseudogene. Alternate splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants.

Further reading

• "Distinct tumor specific expression of TGFB4 (ebaf)*, a novel human gene of the TGF-beta superfamily". Front. Biosci. 2: a18–25. 1997. doi:10.2741/a158. PMID 9230066. 

This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.