Upstream transcription factor 1 (USF1)

Upstream transcription factor 1 (USF1) is a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) family. USF1 recognizes E-box motifs in gene promoters and regulates transcription bidirectionally, being able to activate or repress target genes. Its DNA binding is modulated by post-translational modifications, notably phosphorylation by MAPK and PKC pathways. USF1 orchestrates numerous biological processes including immune response, inflammation, cell cycle control, DNA damage response, and lipid metabolism. It plays key roles in cancer development, cardiovascular disease, viral infection responses, and pigmentation. USF1’s transcriptional targets include both protein-coding and non-coding RNAs, and it exerts its function through both direct promoter binding and indirect modulation of chromatin biology. Loss or dysregulation of USF1 activity has been implicated in tumorigenesis and metabolic syndromes.

Other names

Upstream stimulatory factor 1BHLHB11USFbHLHb11UEFMLTFIClass B basic helix-loop-helix protein 11Major late transcription factor 1FCHLFCHL1HYPLIP1

Not applicable—USF1 is not targeted by approved drugs. Its regulatory activity may be indirectly modulated by signaling cascades (e.g., phosphorylation via ERK1/2 or PKC impacts its DNA binding and activity).