Maf bZIP transcription factor (c-Maf) (MAF (or c-Maf))

Maf bZIP transcription factor (commonly known as c-Maf) is a DNA-binding, leucine zipper-containing transcription factor that functions as a key regulator of cellular differentiation, immune function, and development. It binds to DNA at specific Maf recognition elements (MAREs) and acts as a transcriptional activator or repressor depending on binding partners. c-Maf is involved in embryonic lens development, T cell subset differentiation, regulation of cytokine expression (such as IL-4 and IL-21), apoptosis, and chondrogenesis. Overexpression or mutation of c-Maf is associated with various diseases, including cancers such as multiple myeloma (where it is oncogenic), congenital cataracts, and syndromic developmental disorders. In hematological malignancies, c-Maf is a therapeutic target, with drugs like thalidomide analogs promoting its degradation. Targeting c-Maf requires caution, as it is a master regulator in diverse biological processes, and global inhibition can lead to adverse developmental or immunological consequences.

Other names

Transcription factor Mafc-MAFProto-oncogene c-MafV-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homologAYGRPCCA4CTRCT21T lymphocyte c-maf long formV-maf avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homologAvian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma (MAF) proto-oncogenec-maf proto-oncogeneproto-oncogene c-MafMAF

Drugs like lenalidomide or pomalidomide induce proteasomal degradation of c-Maf, mainly in multiple myeloma. This leads to suppression or modulation of c-Maf-mediated gene transcription.