The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix family of transcription factors. This gene product is one of two closely related family members, the HAND proteins, which are asymmetrically expressed in the developing ventricular chambers and play an essential role in cardiac morphogenesis. Working in a complementary fashion, they function in the formation of the right ventricle and aortic arch arteries, implicating them as mediators of congenital heart disease. In addition, this transcription factor plays an important role in limb and branchial arch development. Synonyms: Monoclonal HAND2 antibody, Anti-HAND2 antibody, Heart and neural crest derivatives expressed protein 2 antibody, Hed antibody, dHand antibody, DHAND2 antibody, Thing2 antibody, FLJ16260 antibody, MGC125303 antibody, MGC125304 antibody.