Nuclear factor interleukin 3 regulated protein (NFIL3)

Nuclear factor interleukin 3 regulated protein (NFIL3, E4BP4) is a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor crucial for differentiation and survival of immune cells, modulation of circadian rhythms, and neuroprotection. Structurally, NFIL3 contains a bZIP DNA-binding domain that dimerizes via a leucine zipper, binding specifically to the TTACGTAA DNA motif to regulate gene expression. NFIL3 represses genes involved in apoptosis, aiding cell survival, and has established roles in cancer progression (notably breast and colon cancer), as well as neuroprotection in models of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. It is also involved in the differentiation and maintenance of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which are key regulators of immune responses. While there is significant therapeutic interest, NFIL3 remains largely "undruggable" by conventional means, though approaches targeting its dimerization or DNA binding interfaces are in early investigation.

Other names

E4BP4NFIL3nuclear factor interleukin 3 regulated proteinbasic leucine zipper transcription factor NFIL3E4 promoter binding protein 4