ETS homologous factor (EHF)

ETS homologous factor (EHF) is a member of the epithelium-specific subfamily of the ETS (E26 transformation-specific) transcription factor family, broadly expressed in epithelial tissues including those of the lung, prostate, and gastrointestinal tract[1][3][4][5]. EHF binds DNA at ETS motifs to either activate or repress gene transcription, with its targets and cellular effects highly dependent on context. EHF regulates crucial epithelial cell processes such as differentiation, maintenance of barrier function, wound repair, and the epithelial response to injury and inflammation[3][4]. In cancer, EHF’s functions are complex: it can act as a tumor suppressor by promoting epithelial identity and repressing genes involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness, but in specific epithelial cancers like gastric and oral squamous cell carcinoma, high EHF expression may instead promote invasion, migration, and chemoresistance[1][2][5]. Loss or mutations of EHF are associated with poor prognosis, EMT, and increased metastasis in several tumor types[2]. EHF activity is subject to regulation by cytokines, and genetic variants near the EHF locus have been linked to disease susceptibility, particularly for epithelial barrier disorders such as cystic fibrosis-related lung disease[3][4]. There are no known small molecule drugs or direct pharmacological agents specifically targeting EHF in clinical use or advanced research; therapeutic interest primarily centers on its regulatory pathways and downstream effectors[1][5].

Other names

ESE3ESE-3ESE3BESEJhEHFESE-3BETS domain-containing transcription factorEpithelium-specific Ets transcription factor 3epithelium-specific ets factor 3