Transcription factor GATA-4 is a member of the GATA family of zinc-finger transcription factors. Members of this family recognize the GATA motif which is present in the promoters of many genes. This protein is thought to regulate genes involved in embryogenesis and in myocardial differentiation and function. Mutations in this gene have been associated with cardiac septal defects.A fourth member of the GATA-binding family, GATA4, is expressed in adult vertebrate heart, gut epithelium, and gonads. During fetal development, GATA4 is expressed in yolk sac endoderm and cells involved in heart formation. Promoter and enhancer studies suggested that this factor may regulate genes critical for myocardial differentiation and function, including troponin C , cardiac alpha-myosin heavy chain (MYH6), and brain-type natriuretic factor .