The RUNX2 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is involved in the development and maintenance of the teeth, bones, and cartilage. Cartilage is a tough, flexible tissue that makes up much of the skeleton during early development. Most cartilage is later converted to bone (a process called ossification), except for the cartilage that continues to cover and protect the ends of bones and is present in the nose, airways, and external ears.
The RUNX2 protein is a transcription factor, which means it attaches (binds) to specific regions of DNA and helps control the activity of particular genes. Researchers believe that the RUNX2 protein acts as a “master switch,” regulating a number of other genes involved in the development of cells that build bones (osteoblasts) and in the development of teeth.
Other Names
CBF-alpha 1; CBFA1; CCD; CCD1; core-binding factor, runt domain, alpha subunit 1; MGC120022; MGC120023; OSF2; osteoblast-specific transcription factor 2; PEBP2aA; polyomavirus enhancer binding protein 2 alpha A subunit; RUNX2_HUMAN; SL3-3 enhancer factor 1 alpha A subunit; SL3/AKV core-binding factor alpha A subunit
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 860
- OMIM: 156510
- OMIM: 600211
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
