Maf bZIP transcription factor F (MAFF)

Maf bZIP transcription factor F (MAFF) is a member of the small Maf protein family and encodes a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor lacking a transcriptional activation domain. MAFF forms homodimers, which can repress transcription, or heterodimers with other transcription factors such as Nrf2, Bach1, or other bZIP proteins, enabling context-dependent regulation of gene expression. In human tissues, MAFF expression is broadly distributed, with roles in response to proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, and it is implicated in processes such as inflammation, lipid metabolism, and cellular protection during oxidative stress. It binds specific DNA motifs (MAREs) and, by forming heterodimers, regulates target genes involved in antioxidant defense, hormone response, and metabolic pathways. Although MAFF is not primarily recognized as a direct therapeutic target, its pathway partners (e.g., Nrf2) are drug targets in inflammation and oxidative stress-related disease. Thus, MAFF functions as a crucial transcriptional modulator in stress responses and metabolic regulation.

Other names

MafFTranscription factor MafFhMafFU-MafV-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog FU-MAFv-maf avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family protein Fv-maf avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog F