Heat shock transcription factor 4 (HSF4)

Heat shock transcription factor 4 (HSF4) is a DNA-binding transcription factor that regulates the expression of heat shock response genes during cellular stress and plays a key role in eye lens development, especially in the terminal differentiation of lens fiber cells where it regulates denucleation and organelle degradation, partly by activating DNASE2B transcription. HSF4 variants are linked to inherited cataract disorders. It functions as both a transcriptional activator and repressor via different isoforms. Unlike other heat shock transcription factors, HSF4 lacks a specific carboxyl-terminal motif implicated in negative regulation, resulting in distinct regulatory properties[1][2][7]. No drugs are currently known to directly target HSF4 in a therapeutic context.

Other names

Heat shock factor protein 4HSF 4HSTF 4CTMCTRCT5

Not established for drugs; potential transcriptional modulation if a drug is found