Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α multiple isoforms, their functions, and
their interactomes
Abstract
HNF4α is a master regulator gene belonging to the nuclear receptor
superfamily involved in regulating a wide range of critical biological
processes in different organs. Structurally, the HNF4A locus is
organized with two independent promoters and is subjected to alternative
splicing with the production of twelve distinct isoforms. Little is
known about the mechanisms each isoform uses to regulate transcription
and their biological impact, with some reports addressing these aspects.
Proteomic analyses have led to identifying proteins that interact with
specific HNF4α isoforms. The identification and validation of these
interactions and their role in co-regulating targeted gene expression
are essential to understand better the role of this transcription factor
in different biological processes and pathologies. This review addresses
the historical origin of HNF4α isoforms, some of the main functions of
the P1 and P2 isoform subgroups and provide information on the most
recent hot topic research on the nature and function of proteins
associated with each of the isoforms in some biological contexts.