Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c)

SREBP-1c (Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c) is a transcription factor encoded by the SREBF1 gene. It is a key regulator of lipid metabolism, particularly fatty acid biosynthesis, and is also known as ADD-1. As a bHLH-Zip transcription factor, SREBP-1c binds to sterol regulatory elements (SREs) and E-boxes to activate the transcription of genes involved in de novo lipogenesis, triglyceride biosynthesis, and glycolysis. It is primarily expressed in the liver, muscle, and fat tissues. SREBP-1c activity is tightly regulated by insulin, LXRs, PPARα, and fatty acids, as well as through proteolytic processing and protein trafficking. Dysregulation of SREBP-1c is implicated in metabolic disorders like obesity, metabolic syndrome, and fatty liver, as well as in the progression and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Due to its central role in these pathologies, SREBP-1c is considered a promising therapeutic target for treating metabolic diseases and certain cancers.

Other names

ADD-1 (adipocyte determination and differentiation-dependent factor 1)

Small-molecule compounds are being identified to directly bind to SREBP-1 to inhibit its function, thereby reducing lipid synthesis and potentially mitigating metabolic disorders and cancer progression.