OLIG2

This gene encodes a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor which is expressed in oligodendroglial tumors of the brain. The protein is an essential regulator of ventral neuroectodermal progenitor cell fate. The gene is involved in a chromosomal translocation t(14;21)(q11.2;q22) associated with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Its chromosomal location is within a region of chromosome 21 which has been suggested to play a role in learning deficits associated with Down syndrome. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Oligodendrocyte Transcription Factor 2

Required for oligodendrocyte and motor neuron specification in the spinal cord, as well as for the development of somatic motor neurons in the hindbrain. Functions together with ZNF488 to promote oligodendrocyte differentiation. Cooperates with OLIG1 to establish the pMN domain of the embryonic neural tube. Antagonist of V2 interneuron and of NKX2-2-induced V3 interneuron development.

MyelinationIEA:Ensembl
Negative regulation of neuron differentiationIEA:Ensembl
Negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase IIIEA:Ensembl
Neuron differentiationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Neuron fate commitmentIEA:Ensembl
Positive regulation of oligodendrocyte differentiationIEA:Ensembl
Regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase IIManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Spinal cord motor neuron differentiationIEA:Ensembl
Spinal cord oligodendrocyte cell fate specificationIEA:Ensembl
Thalamus developmentIEA:Ensembl

Nucleus
Cytoplasm
The NLS contained in the bHLH domain could be masked in the native form and translocation to the nucleus could be mediated by interaction either with class E bHLH partner protein or with NKX2-2.

A chromosomal aberration involving OLIG2 may be a cause of a form of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Translocation t(14;21)(q11.2;q22) with TCRA.