COUP-TFII

COUP-TFII, also known as Chicken Ovalbumin Upstream Promoter-Transcription Factor II, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NR2F2 gene. This protein is a member of the steroid thyroid hormone superfamily of nuclear receptors. COUP-TFII plays a critical role in the development of various organs and systems in the body, including the heart, vascular system, and the development of limbs and the urogenital system.

Function

COUP-TFII is a nuclear receptor that is involved in the regulation of gene expression. It functions as a transcriptional activator or repressor, depending on the context of its binding sites and the co-regulators involved. COUP-TFII has been shown to play a significant role in angiogenesis, the process of forming new blood vessels, which is crucial for organ development and repair. Additionally, it is involved in the regulation of cell differentiation, particularly in the development of the venous system and the maintenance of the differentiated state of adult tissues.

Gene and Expression

The NR2F2 gene, which encodes the COUP-TFII protein, is located on chromosome 15q26.2 in humans. The expression of COUP-TFII is tightly regulated during development and is tissue-specific. It is highly expressed in the developing heart, vascular system, and in certain regions of the developing central nervous system. In adults, COUP-TFII continues to be expressed in various tissues, including the heart, lungs, and kidneys, where it plays a role in maintaining tissue homeostasis.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the expression or function of COUP-TFII have been associated with several human diseases. For example, mutations in the NR2F2 gene have been linked to congenital heart defects, highlighting the importance of COUP-TFII in heart development. Additionally, aberrant expression of COUP-TFII has been observed in various cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer, suggesting a role in tumor progression and metastasis.

Research into COUP-TFII also has implications for regenerative medicine, particularly in the development of strategies for promoting angiogenesis in ischemic tissues, which can aid in the repair of damaged organs.

Interaction with Other Proteins

COUP-TFII interacts with a variety of other proteins, including other transcription factors and co-regulators, to modulate gene expression. These interactions can either enhance or suppress the transcriptional activity of COUP-TFII, depending on the cellular context and the specific genes being regulated. Understanding these interactions is crucial for elucidating the complex regulatory networks in which COUP-TFII is involved.

See Also

• Nuclear receptor
• Transcription factor
• Angiogenesis
• Gene expression