T-box refers to a group of transcription factors involved in embryoniclimb and heart development. Every T-box protein has a relatively large DNA-binding domain, generally comprising about a third of the entire protein that is both necessary and sufficient for sequence-specific DNA binding. All members of the T-box gene family bind to the "T-box", a DNA consensus sequence of TCACACCT. Mutations in the first one found caused short tails in mice, and thus the protein encoded was named brachyury, Greek for "short-tail". In mice this gene is named "T", but in humans it is named "TBXT". Brachyury has been found in all bilaterian animals that have been screened, and is also present in the cnidaria. The mouse T gene was cloned, and proved that brachyury was a 436 amino acid embryonic nucleartranscription factor. Brachyury binds to the T-box, through a region at its N-terminus.
Protein activity
The encoded proteins of Tbx5 and Tbx4 play a role in limb development, and play a major role in limb bud initiation specifically. For instance, in chickens Tbx4 specifies hindlimb status while Tbx5 specifies forelimb status. The activation of these proteins by Hox genes initiates signaling cascades that involve the Wnt signaling pathway and FGF signals in limb buds. Ultimately, Tbx4 and Tbx5 lead to the development of apical ectodermal ridge and zone of polarizing activity signaling centers in the developing limb bud, which specify the orientation growth of the developing limb. Together, Tbx5 and Tbx4 play a role in patterning the soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system.
Defects
In humans, and some other animals, defects in the TBX5gene expression are responsible for Holt-Oram syndrome, which is characterized by at least one abnormal wrist bone. Other arm bones are almost always affected, though the severity can vary widely, from complete absence of a bone, to only a reduction in bone length. Seventy-five percent of affected individuals also have heart defects, most often there is no separation between the left and rightventricle of the heart. TBX3 is associated with ulnar-mammary syndrome in humans, but is also responsible for the presence or absence of dun color in horses, and has no deleterious effects whether expressed or not.
