Heart- and neural crest derivatives-expressed protein 2 (HAND2)

Critical for cardiac morphogenesis, especially for the formation of the right ventricle and of the aortic arch arteries. Required for vascular development and regulation of angiogenesis, possibly through a VEGF signaling pathway.

Plays also an essential role in limb development, especially in the organization of anterior-posterior polarization, acting as an upstream regulator of sonic hedgehog (SHH) induction in the limb bud. Is involved in the development of branchial arches, which give rise to unique structures in the head and neck.