FOXA3
Description
The FOXA3 (forkhead box A3) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 19.
FOXA3, also known as Hepatocyte nuclear factor 3-gamma (HNF-3G), or transcription factor 3G (TCF-3G), is a protein encoded by the FOXA3 gene in humans. It belongs to the forkhead class of DNA-binding proteins and acts as a transcriptional activator for liver-specific transcripts like albumin and transthyretin. It also interacts with chromatin. Similar family members in mice are involved in regulating metabolism and differentiating the pancreas and liver.
FOXA3 acts as a 'pioneer' factor, opening up compacted chromatin for other proteins. It achieves this by interacting with nucleosomal core histones and replacing linker histones at target enhancer and/or promoter sites. Initially identified as a transcription activator for several liver genes, including AFP, albumin, tyrosine aminotransferase, and PEPCK, FOXA3 interacts with the cis-acting regulatory regions of these genes. It plays a role in glucose homeostasis, binding to and activating transcription from the G6PC1 promoter. In collaboration with CEBPA, it binds to and activates the CYP3A4 promoter. Alongside members of the CTF/NF-I family, it binds to the CYP3A7 promoter. FOXA3 participates in regulating neuronal-specific transcription and may be involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis. It interacts with FOXA2.
FOXA3 is also known as FKHH3, HNF3G, TCF3G.
