E74-like ETS transcription factor 3 (ELF3)

E74-like ETS transcription factor 3 (ELF3) is an epithelial cell-specific member of the ETS family of transcription factors, encoded by the ELF3 gene on chromosome 1q32.1. ELF3 binds specific DNA sequences to regulate the expression of genes important for cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and migration, particularly in epithelial tissues. Its function in cancer appears context-dependent, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncogene depending on the tissue and genetic background. ELF3 is implicated in several cancer types (notably bladder, ovarian, prostate, hepatocellular, and colorectal cancers), and in multiple studies, altered ELF3 expression or mutation correlates with disease progression, metastasis, and patient prognosis. ELF3 also plays roles in immune-response modulation and inflammation. There are currently no approved drugs targeting ELF3, but its involvement in key oncogenic and differentiation pathways makes it an active area for research in cancer biomarker development and targeted therapy approaches.

Other names

ELF3ESE-1ESXEPR-1ERTEpithelium-restricted ETS protein ESXE74-like factor 3 (ETS domain transcription factor, serine box, epithelial-specific)Ets domain transcription factor, serine box (epithelial-specific)

Drugs would hypothetically act through modulation of transcriptional activity in pathways related to proliferation, EMT, or cytokine regulation. Gene therapy or RNA interference to modulate ELF3 expression/function (experimental context).