MESP2 encodes a member of the bHLH family of transcription factors and plays a key role in defining the rostrocaudal patterning of somites via interactions with multiple Notch signaling pathways. MESP2 is expressed in the anterior presomitic mesoderm and is downregulated immediately after the formation of segmented somites. MESP2 also plays a role in the formation of epithelial somitic mesoderm and cardiac mesoderm. Mutations in the MESP2 gene cause autosomal recessive spondylocostal dystosis 2 (SCD02).