CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα)

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) is a transcription factor encoded by the intronless *CEBPA* gene. It contains a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain that enables dimerization and sequence-specific DNA binding at promoter regions containing the "CCAAT" motif. This protein plays an essential role in regulating cell cycle arrest, promoting terminal differentiation—particularly within granulocyte/myeloid lineages—and controlling adipogenesis as well as hepatic glucose/lipid metabolism. It acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting excessive cellular proliferation. Mutations disrupting its function are strongly associated with familial and sporadic forms of acute myeloid leukemia; such mutations either impair DNA binding or produce dominant-negative isoforms that interfere with normal activity. The presence of specific *CEBPA* mutations serves both diagnostic and prognostic purposes in AML management but no approved therapies directly target this molecule at present.

Other names

CEBPAC/EBP-alphaCEBPCCAAT enhancer binding protein alpha

For drugs targeting this molecule: Restoration or enhancement of wild-type function as a tumor suppressor. Inhibition of dominant-negative isoforms produced by certain mutations. Indirect modulation through upstream signaling pathways affecting transcription factor activity. Note: Most clinical interventions focus on genetic testing for *CEBPA* mutations rather than direct pharmacological targeting.