TSHZ3 (Teashirt Zinc Finger Homeobox 3) encodes a zinc-finger transcription factor that regulates smooth muscle cell differentiation in the developing urinary tract. Consistent with this role, mice in which TSHZ3 has been inactivated exhibit abnormal gene expression in urinary tract smooth muscle cell precursors and kidney defects including hydronephrosis. The encoded transcription factor comprises a gene silencing complex that inhibits caspase expression. Reduced expression of TSHZ3 and consequent caspase upregulation may be correlated with progression of Alzheimer's disease in human patients. TSHZ3 is a Protein Coding gene. Diseases associated with TSHZ3 include Hydronephrosis and Endemic Goiter.
