Anti-Hes7

HES7 (Hes family bHLH transcription factor 7) is a member of the Hairy-and-enhancer-of-split (HES) family of transcription factors, which play a role in somite formation. This is expressed in an oscillatory manner during the process of somitogenesis, a process by which somites (bilaterally paired blocks of mesoderm) form and give rise to skeletal muscle, cartilage, tendons, endothelial cells, and dermis. Missense mutations of HES7 have been reported to cause SCDO4 (Spondylocostal Dysostosis 4), an inherited disorder that is characterized by the presence of extensive hemivertebrae, truncal shortening and abnormally aligned ribs. Protein function: Transcriptional repressor. Represses transcription from both N box- and E box-containing promoters. May with HES1, cooperatively regulate somite formation in the presomitic mesoderm (PSM). May function as a segmentation clock, which is essential for coordinated somite segmentation. [The UniProt Consortium]