The disease is genetically inherited and stems from a mutation that deletes the TFAP2A gene. This gene is important because it provides the blueprint for the arrangement of 437 amino acids that make up the protein transcription factor known as AP-2 alpha. This protein transcription factor binds to a carboxy terminus helix-span-helix motif and an amino terminus portion of DNA that affects the activity of numerous cellular activities such as cell division and apoptosis.[clarification needed] AP-2 alpha is especially important during the embryos development principally in the development of the branchial arches.