MAF bZIP transcription factor K (MAFK)

MAF bZIP transcription factor K (MAFK) is a member of the small Maf (sMaf) family of basic region-leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors that function as either homodimers or heterodimers with partner proteins such as CNC family members (Nrf1, Nrf2, Nrf3, p45 NF-E2) or Bach proteins. MAFK lacks a canonical activation domain, so homodimers typically act as transcriptional repressors, while heterodimerization with CNC proteins allows context-dependent transcriptional activation or repression. MAFK is broadly expressed and plays critical roles in regulating oxidative stress responses, heme and globin gene expression, B cell differentiation, and neuronal gene regulation. Dysregulation of MAFK or its pathways has been implicated in cancer, neurodegeneration, inflammation, and rare genetic disorders such as Ayme-Gripp syndrome[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

Transcription factor MafKv-maf avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog KP18NFE2UErythroid transcription factor NF-E2 p18 subunitNuclear factor erythroid-2, ubiquitous (p18)NF-E2 ubiquitous subunitBasic-leucine zipper transcription factor MafK

None established for drugs directly; MAFK acts by dimerizing with other bZIP transcription factors (such as Nrf2, Bach1) to regulate transcription[1][2][3][4].