The protein encoded by this gene is an embryonic nuclear transcription factor that binds to a specific DNA element, the palindromic T-site. It binds through a region in its N-terminus, called the T-box, and effects transcription of genes required for mesoderm formation and differentiation. The protein is localized to notochord-derived cells. Variation in this gene was associated with susceptibility to neural tube defects and chordoma. A mutation in this gene was found in a family with sacral agenesis with vertebral anomalies. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2018] see less The protein encoded by this gene is an embryonic nuclear transcription factor that binds to a specific DNA element, the palindromic T-site. It binds through a region in its N-terminus, called the T-box, and effects transcription of genes required for mesoderm formation and differentiation. The protein is localized to notochord-derived cells. Variation in this gene was associated with susceptibi... see more