FOXA2 siRNA – Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 3-Beta Isoform 1 (Human)

This gene encodes a member of the forkhead class of DNA-binding proteins. These hepatocyte nuclear factors are transcriptional activators for liver-specific genes such as albumin and transthyretin, and they also interact with chromatin. Similar family members in mice have roles in the regulation of metabolism and in the differentiation of the pancreas and liver. This gene has been linked to sporadic cases of maturity-onset diabetes of the young. Transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been identified for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2008]

FOXA2: Transcription factor that is involved in embryonic development, establishment of tissue-specific gene expression and regulation of gene expression in differentiated tissues. Is thought to act as a 'pioneer' factor opening the compacted chromatin for other proteins through interactions with nucleosomal core histones and thereby replacing linker histones at target enhancer and/or promoter sites. Binds DNA with the consensus sequence 5'-[AC]A[AT]T[AG]TT[GT][AG][CT]T[CT]-3'. In embryonic development is required for notochord formation. Involved in the development of multiple endoderm-derived organ systems such as the liver, pancreas and lungs; FOXA1 and FOXA2 seem to have at least in part redundant roles. Originally discribed as a transcription activator for a number of liver genes such as AFP, albumin, tyrosine aminotransferase, PEPCK, etc. Interacts with the cis-acting regulatory regions of these genes. Involved in glucose homeostasis; regulates the expression of genes important for glucose sensing in pancreatic beta-cells and glucose homeostasis. Involved in regulation of fat metabolism. Binds to fibrinogen beta promoter and is involved in IL6-induced fibrinogen beta transcriptional activation. Binds DNA as a monomer. Binds TLE1. Interacts with FOXA1 and FOXA3. Interacts with PRKDC. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Transcription factor; DNA-binding

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 20p11

Cellular Component: cytoplasm; nucleus

Molecular Function: protein domain specific binding; DNA binding; transcription factor activity; transcription factor binding

Biological Process: transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter; adult locomotory behavior; positive regulation of transcription, DNA-dependent; negative regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter by glucose; cell fate specification; negative regulation of glucokinase activity; cell differentiation in hindbrain; ectoderm formation; regulation of steroid metabolic process; positive regulation of smoothened signaling pathway; neuron fate specification; positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter by glucose; dorsoventral neural tube patterning; in utero embryonic development; negative regulation of transcription factor activity; chromatin modification; somite rostral/caudal axis specification; endocrine pancreas development; regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter; negative regulation of neuron differentiation; positive regulation of embryonic development; regulation of blood coagulation; positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase III promoter; positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter; positive regulation of neuron differentiation; cell development