HSF4

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

HSF4 is a gene that encodes a member of the heat shock transcription factor family in humans. This family is characterized by the presence of a highly conserved DNA-binding domain known as the HSF DNA-binding domain. The HSF4 gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 16 at position 22.1, denoted as 16q22.1.

Function[edit | edit source]

The protein encoded by the HSF4 gene is a transcription factor that binds to heat shock elements (HSEs) in the promoters of heat shock genes. This binding results in the upregulation of these genes, which encode proteins that protect the cell from damage caused by heat shock and other types of stress. The HSF4 protein is primarily expressed in the lens of the eye, where it plays a crucial role in lens development and maintenance.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the HSF4 gene have been associated with autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive forms of cataract, a condition characterized by clouding of the lens in the eye. These mutations can lead to the production of an abnormal HSF4 protein that cannot bind to HSEs or activate heat shock genes, resulting in the accumulation of damaged proteins in the lens and the development of cataracts.

Research[edit | edit source]

Research into the HSF4 gene and its associated protein continues to provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of heat shock response, lens development, and cataract formation. This research may eventually lead to new treatments for cataracts and other conditions related to protein misfolding and aggregation.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Stub icon
   This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!



WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP1 injections from $125

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program NYC and a clinic to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our W8MD's physician supervised medical weight loss centers in NYC provides expert medical guidance, and offers telemedicine options for convenience.

Why choose W8MD?

Book Your Appointment

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss, and Philadelphia medical weight loss Call (718)946-5500 for NY and 215 676 2334 for PA

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's NYC physician weight loss.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available. Call 718 946 5500.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD