MEF2A
Description
The MEF2A (myocyte enhancer factor 2A) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 15.
MEF2A, or Myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2A, is a protein encoded by the MEF2A gene in humans. It acts as a transcription factor belonging to the Mef2 family and is located on chromosome 15q26. Mutations in MEF2A can cause an autosomal dominant form of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. MEF2A is involved in the differentiation of mesodermal precursor cells into myoblasts, a process that involves the regulation of muscle gene expression. It is part of the myocyte-specific enhancer factor-2 (MEF2) family, which includes proteins that bind to the MEF2 target DNA sequence found in the regulatory regions of many muscle-specific genes.
MEF2A, a transcription activator, specifically binds to the MEF2 element (5'-YTAATTAR-3') found in various muscle-specific genes. It also activates numerous growth factor- and stress-induced genes. MEF2A plays a crucial role in skeletal and cardiac muscle development, neuronal differentiation, and survival. Through p38 MAPK signaling, it influences cell growth, survival, and apoptosis in muscle-specific and growth factor-related transcription. In cerebellar granule neurons, phosphorylated and sumoylated MEF2A represses NUR77 transcription, promoting synaptic differentiation. MEF2A associates with chromatin at the ZNF16 promoter. It binds DNA as a homo- or heterodimer, forming dimers with MEF2D. MEF2A interacts with HDAC7, PIAS1, HDAC4, HDAC9, SLC2A4RG, and MAPK7. Interaction with PIAS1 enhances sumoylation, while interaction with MAPK7 leads to phosphorylation and increased transcriptional activity of MEF2A.
MEF2A is also known as ADCAD1, RSRFC4, RSRFC9, mef2.
