Background

This gene belongs to the TBR1 (T-box brain protein 1) sub-family of T-box genes that share the common DNA-binding T-box domain. The encoded protein is a transcription factor which is crucial for embryonic development of mesoderm and the central nervous system in vertebrates. The protein may also be necessary for the differentiation of effector CD8+ T cells which are involved in defense against viral infections. A similar gene disrupted in mice is shown to be essential during trophoblast development and gastrulation. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, May 2013] Functions as a transcriptional activator playing a crucial role during development. Functions in trophoblast differentiation and later in gastrulation, regulating both mesoderm delamination and endoderm specification. Plays a role in brain development being required for the specification and the proliferation of the intermediate progenitor cells and their progeny in the cerebral cortex. Also involved in the differentiation of CD8+ T-cells during immune response regulating the expression of lytic effector genes. ( EOMES_HUMAN,O95936 )