Long intergenic non-coding RNA MAF transcriptional regulator (linc-MAF-4)

Long intergenic non-coding RNA MAF transcriptional regulator (linc-MAF-4, also known as MAFTRR) is a chromatin-associated long non-coding RNA found primarily in human lymphocytes, particularly within CD4+ T cells[1][3]. It acts as a regulatory RNA by forming a chromatin loop that brings its locus into proximity with the promoter region of the neighboring MAF gene, recruiting chromatin modifiers such as EZH2 and LSD1 to suppress MAF transcription[1][3]. High expression of linc-MAF-4 in T helper 1 (TH1) cells is associated with silencing of MAF, a transcription factor crucial for TH2 differentiation. As a result, linc-MAF-4 promotes TH1 differentiation and represses TH2 fate. Knockdown of linc-MAF-4 skews CD4+ T cell differentiation toward the TH2 lineage, increasing expression of GATA3 and IL4. Its highly specific expression patterns suggest a potential role as a molecular regulator in immune diseases involving CD4+ T cells, including autoimmunity, allergy, and possibly cancer[1]. There are currently no drugs directly targeting linc-MAF-4 or clinical reports of its use as a biomarker or safety liability.

Other names

MAFTRRlinc-MAF-4lincMAF4MAF transcriptional regulator RNA