Transcription factor AP2-beta, Activating enhancer-binding protein 2 beta, GENE NAME: TFAP2B|

AP2-beta is a sequence-specific DNA-binding protein that interacts with inducible viral and cellular enhancer elements to regulate transcription of selected genes during early development. AP-2 factors bind to the consensus sequence 5\'-GCCNNNGGC-3\' and activate genes involved in large spectrum of important biological functions including proper eye, face, body wall, limb and neural tube development. They also suppress a number of genes. AP2-beta appears to be required for normal face and limb development and for proper termnal differentiation and function of renal tubular epithelia. Binds DNA as a dimer. It can form homodimers or heterodimers with other AP-2 family members. Defects in AP2-beta are the cause of Char syndrome (CHAR) which is characterised by patent ductus anteriosus (PDA), facial dysmorphism and hand anomalies.