Hand2 - heart and neural crest derivatives expressed 2

Enables protein homodimerization activity and sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Contributes to E-box binding activity. Involved in several processes, including heart morphogenesis; negative regulation of cardiac muscle cell apoptotic process; and positive regulation of semaphorin-plexin signaling pathway involved in outflow tract morphogenesis. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including animal organ development; negative regulation of osteoblast differentiation; and nervous system development. Located in nucleus. Part of transcription regulator complex. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; embryo mesenchyme; genitourinary system; heart; and hindlimb phalanx. Orthologous to human HAND2 (heart and neural crest derivatives expressed 2). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]