Left-right determination factor 2 (Lefty2) aka TGFB4 is a

protein Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residue (biochemistry), residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including Enzyme catalysis, catalysing metab ...

that is encoded by the ''LEFTY2''

gene In biology, the word gene has two meanings. The Mendelian gene is a basic unit of heredity. The molecular gene is a sequence of nucleotides in DNA that is transcribed to produce a functional RNA. There are two types of molecular genes: protei ...

in humans.

Function

Lefty2 is a protein from the

TGF-beta Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine belonging to the transforming growth factor superfamily that includes three different mammalian isoforms (TGF-β 1 to 3, HGNC symbols TGFB1, TGFB2, TGFB3) and many other ...

cytokine Cytokines () are a broad and loose category of small proteins (~5–25 kDa) important in cell signaling. Cytokines are produced by a broad range of cells, including immune cells like macrophages, B cell, B lymphocytes, T cell, T lymphocytes ...

family of proteins and is sometimes referred to as TGFB-4. It is secreted and plays a role in left-right asymmetry determination of organ systems during development. Mutations in this gene have been associated with left-right axis

malformations A birth defect is an abnormal condition that is present at birth, regardless of its cause. Birth defects may result in disabilities Disability is the experience of any condition that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain act ...

, particularly in the heart and lungs. Lefty2 is also sometimes referred to as Endometrial Bleeding-Associated Factor (EBAF). Some types of infertility have been associated with dysregulated expression of this gene in the endometrium and the protein may play a role in endometrial bleeding. 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.

Function

References

Further reading