Maf bZIP transcription factor B (MAFB)

Maf bZIP transcription factor B (MAFB) is a large Maf family transcription factor characterized by a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain enabling DNA binding and dimerization[1][3][4]. It acts as a nuclear transcription factor with a central role in regulating lineage-specific hematopoiesis, especially by repressing ETS1-mediated transcription of erythroid-specific genes in myeloid cells[1][5]. MAFB facilitates terminal differentiation in a variety of cell types including monocytes/macrophages, osteoclasts, chondrocytes, pancreatic β-cells, and kidney podocytes[1][4]. It is critical for establishing anti-inflammatory gene expression profiles in macrophages and has high expression distinguishing anti-inflammatory versus pro-inflammatory macrophage subtypes[4]. Pathogenic mutations in MAFB are implicated in a spectrum of developmental disorders, among them multicentric carpo tarsal osteolysis (MCTO), Duane retraction syndrome (DRS), and as a risk factor for nonsyndromic cleft palate and lip in some populations[1][4]. MAFB is not currently a direct verified drug target, although its disease relevance is significant, and it is a vital regulator of tissue-specific differentiation and function in development and immunity[1][4][5].

Other names

Transcription factor MafBV-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog BKRMLMaf-BDURS3MCTOKreisler maf-related leucine zipper homologMAFB/Kreisler basic region/leucine zipper transcription factorv-maf avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog B