Identification of the TFII-I family target genes in the vertebrate genome

GTF21 and GTF21RD1 encode members of the TFII-I transcription factor family and are prime candidates in the Williams syndrome, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Our previous expression microarray studies implicated TFII-I proteins in the regulation of a number of genes critical in various aspects of cell physiology. Here, we combined bioinformatics and microarray results to identify TFII-I downstream targets in the vertebrate genome. These results were validated by chromatin immunoprecipitation and siRNA analysis. The collected evidence revealed the complexity of TFII-I- mediated processes that involve distinct regulatory networks. Altogether, these results lead to a better understanding of specific molecular events, some of which may be responsible for the Williams syndrome phenotype.