PTF1A, BHLHA29, PTF1P48, Pancreas transcription factor 1 subunit alpha, Class A basic helix-loop-helix protein 29, Pancreas-specific transcription factor 1a, bHLH transcription factor p48, p48 DNA-binding subunit of transcription factor PTF1

Ptf1a is a component of the pancreas transcription factor 1 complex (PTF1) and is known to have a role in mammalian pancreatic development. The protein plays a role in determining whether cells allocated to the pancreatic buds continue towards pancreatic organogenesis or revert back to duodenal fates. This protein is thought to be involved in the maintenance of exocrine pancreas-specific gene expression including elastase 1 and amylase. Mutations in the Ptf1a gene cause cerebellar agenesis and loss of expression is seen in ductal type pancreas cancers.