NFATC3

NFATC3 or Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells, Cytoplasmic 3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NFATC3 gene. It is a member of the nuclear factors of activated T cells (NFAT) family of transcription factors, which play a crucial role in the immune response.

Function

NFATC3 is a component of the calcineurin-NFAT signaling pathway, which is involved in T-cell activation. The protein is primarily located in the cytoplasm and is dephosphorylated upon T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation or during an increase in intracellular calcium concentration. This dephosphorylation leads to its translocation into the nucleus, where it becomes part of a transcription complex that regulates gene expression.

Structure

The NFATC3 protein consists of several domains, including a Rel homology domain (RHD), which is responsible for DNA binding, and a regulatory domain, which contains multiple serine-rich regions that are targets for phosphorylation. The protein also contains a calcineurin-binding motif, which is necessary for its dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the NFATC3 gene have been associated with various diseases, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. For example, overexpression of NFATC3 has been observed in several types of cancer, suggesting that it may play a role in tumor progression. In addition, mutations in the NFATC3 gene have been linked to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Research

Research on NFATC3 is ongoing, with studies focusing on its role in immune response, its potential as a therapeutic target in cancer and autoimmune diseases, and its involvement in cardiovascular diseases.

File:NFATC3 protein structure.jpg

Structure of the NFATC3 protein.

See Also

• Nuclear factor of activated T-cells
• Calcineurin
• T-cell receptor