ETS domain-containing protein Elk-4 (ELK4)

ETS domain-containing protein Elk-4 (ELK4) is a transcription factor in the ETS family and a member of the ternary complex factor (TCF) subfamily. ELK4 forms a ternary complex with serum response factor (SRF) at serum response elements, regulating the expression of immediate-early genes such as c-fos. It is involved in transmitting extracellular signals, particularly via MAPK1 and MAPK8 phosphorylation, to the nucleus, influencing gene expression related to cell proliferation, cell cycle, signal transduction, and immune cell activation. ELK4 has roles in normal physiological processes (e.g., thymocyte development, mast cell proliferation), as well as disease, especially cancer, where it can contribute to oncogenic processes through aberrant modulation of transcription, altered chromatin regulation, and direct interaction with oncogenic signaling pathways.

Other names

ETS transcription factor ELK4SAP1SAP-1SRF accessory protein 1Serum response factor accessory protein 1Elk-4

Modulation of transcriptional programs by regulating gene expression through ternary complex formation with SRF (serum response factor); Regulation of cell cycle and response to extracellular signals by modulation of immediate-early genes (such as Egr1) via the MAPK pathway