Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4A) also known as NR2A1 (nuclear receptor subfamily 2, group A, member 1) is a nuclear receptor that in humans is encoded by the HNF4A gene. [5] [6]
HNF-4α is a nuclear transcription factor that binds DNA as a homodimer. The encoded protein controls the expression of several genes, including hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha, a transcription factor that regulates the expression of several hepatic genes. This gene plays a role in development of the liver, kidney, and intestines. Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants. [7]
HNF4A is required for the PXR and CAR-mediated transcriptional activation of CYP3A4. [8] Genetic mutations in the HNF4A gene can influence the activity of HNF4α's downstream proteins such as CYP2D6, in vitro and in vivo. [9] [10]
The alkaloid berberine upregulates HNF4A expression. [11]
This gene plays a pivotal role in the expression and synthesis of SHBG, an important glycoprotein made primarily in the liver, [12] which in addition to lowering insulin-resistance also reduces levels of free Estrogen as-well as prolonging the half-life of testosterone.[ citation needed ]
Function of HNF4A gene can be effectively examined by siRNA knockdown based on an independent validation. [13]
Mutations in the HNF4A gene are associated with a form of diabetes called maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY), [14] specifically MODY 1. At least 56 disease-causing mutations in this gene have been discovered. [15]
Increased amplification of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha has been observed in colorectal cancer. [16]
It has also associations with the appearance of Fanconi syndrome phenotypes which occurs due to a missense mutation of the gene. [17]
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha has been shown to interact with:
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.