ELF4
Description
The ELF4 (E74 like ETS transcription factor 4) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome X.
ELF4 is a protein in humans encoded by the ELF4 gene. It is an ETS-related transcription factor.
ELF4 acts as a transcriptional activator by binding to DNA sequences containing the consensus 5'-WGGA-3'. It activates the promoters of genes involved in hematopoietic growth factors, including CSF2, IL3, and IL8, as well as the bovine lysozyme gene. It collaborates with RUNX1 to activate the IL3 promoter. Additionally, ELF4 activates the PRF1 promoter in natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells. ELF4 plays a crucial role in the development and function of NK and NK T-cells, contributing to innate immunity. It regulates the proliferation and homing of CD8+ T-cells through the Kruppel-like factors KLF4 and KLF2. Furthermore, ELF4 controls cell senescence in a p53-dependent manner and can promote cellular transformation by inhibiting the p16 pathway. ELF4 serves as a transcriptional regulator of inflammation, influencing T-helper 17 (Th17) cells and macrophage inflammatory responses. It is essential for the sustained transcription of anti-inflammatory genes, including IL1RN. Conversely, it acts as a negative regulator of pro-inflammatory cytokines expression, including IL17A, IL1B, IL6, TNFA, and CXCL1. It downregulates the expression of TREM1, a cell surface receptor involved in amplifying inflammatory responses.
ELF4 is also known as AIFBL2, ELFR, MEF.