Nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1)

Nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) is a DNA-binding transcription factor encoded by the *NFATC1* gene in humans. It plays a central role in inducible gene transcription during immune responses—especially regulating cytokines such as interleukin 2—and controls key aspects of lymphocyte activation, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The protein functions as part of a complex that translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus upon stimulation through the T cell receptor pathway; this process depends on calcium signaling via calcineurin phosphatase activity. Beyond immunity, it also regulates genes involved in cardiac development and osteoclast differentiation/function. It serves as a major molecular target for immunosuppressive drugs like cyclosporin A.

Other names

NFATC1NFAT2Nuclear factor of activated T cells 1Nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic, calcineurin dependent 1

Immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporin A and tacrolimus inhibit calcineurin phosphatase activity, thereby preventing dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation/activation of NFATc1. This blocks transcriptional activation of cytokines critical for T cell activation.