V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (MAFA)

V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (MAFA) is a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor primarily expressed in pancreatic beta cells and critical for the regulation of insulin gene transcription and the maintenance of beta cell identity and function[9][10]. It plays a major role in pancreatic development and the glucose-responsive expression of insulin. Impairments in MAFA activity are associated with diabetes (including MODY-like syndromes), while dysregulation or fusions involving MAFA have been detected in some cancers, like multiple myeloma[6][10]. MAFA is being explored in cell reprogramming approaches to generate insulin-producing cells for diabetes therapy[10]. There are no known direct therapeutic drugs targeting MAFA yet, but it is considered a therapeutic target in regenerative medicine and possible oncology applications.

Other names

MAFARIPE3b1V-maf avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog Av-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog (avian)[9][3]