This gene encodes a protein which belongs to the GATA family of transcription factors. The protein contains two GATA-type zinc fingers and is an important regulator of T-cell development and plays an important role in endothelial cell biology. Defects in this gene are the cause of hypoparathyroidism with sensorineural deafness and renal dysplasia. (provided by RefSeq) Tissue specificity: T-cells and endothelial cells RD: GATA-3 belongs to the GATA family of transcription factors, which bind to the consensus DNA sequence (A/T) GATA (A/G) to control diverse tissue-specific programs of gene expression and morphogenesis. It is widely expressed in mesodermal- and endodermal-derived tissues. GATA-3 has been shown to be an essential regulator for immune cell function, sympathetic neuron development, and the maintenance of the differentiated state in epithelial cells.