NFATC4

NFATC4 or Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells, Cytoplasmic 4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NFATC4 gene. It is a member of the NFAT family of transcription factors, which play a crucial role in the immune response.

Function

NFATC4 is a member of the nuclear factors of activated T cells NFAT protein family. It is a DNA-binding protein that has been shown to be a repressor of cyclic AMP-responsive reporter genes, and it is likely involved in the control of gene expression in cardiac and smooth muscle cell types.

Structure

The NFATC4 protein is composed of 902 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 100 kDa. It contains a Rel homology domain (RHD) that is responsible for DNA binding and dimerization. The RHD is located in the N-terminal region of the protein and is followed by a regulatory region that contains multiple serine/threonine residues.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the NFATC4 gene have been associated with various diseases. For instance, mutations in this gene have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition characterized by an enlarged and weakened heart. Additionally, NFATC4 has been implicated in the development of cancer, as it is often overexpressed in cancerous tissues.

Research

Research on NFATC4 is ongoing, with studies focusing on its role in the immune response, cardiac development, and cancer progression. Understanding the function and regulation of NFATC4 could potentially lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for these conditions.

See Also

• NFAT family
• Gene expression
• Dilated cardiomyopathy
• Cancer