FOXA1
FOXA1, also known as HNF3A or hepatocyte nuclear factor 3-alpha, is a forkhead-class transcription factor that helps establish tissue-specific gene expression. It is thought to act as a pioneer factor that opens compacted chromatin for other proteins. Browse Assay Genie's current range of FOXA1 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
FOXA1 is a transcription factor involved in embryonic development, in the establishment of tissue-specific gene expression and in the regulation of gene expression in differentiated tissues. It is thought to act as a 'pioneer' factor: through interactions with nucleosomal core histones it opens compacted chromatin, replacing linker histones at target enhancer and promoter sites so that other proteins can bind. FOXA1 binds DNA through a defined consensus sequence and is proposed to translate epigenetic signatures into cell type-specific, enhancer-driven transcriptional programmes. Its differential recruitment to chromatin depends on the distribution of histone H3 methylated at Lys-5 (H3K4me2) in oestrogen-regulated genes.
FOXA1 modulates the transcriptional activity of nuclear hormone receptors. It is involved in ESR1-mediated transcription and is required for ESR1 binding to the NKX2-1 promoter in breast cancer cells. It also binds the RPRM promoter and is required for oestrogen-induced repression of RPRM. Beyond hormone signalling, FOXA1 contributes to the regulation of apoptosis by inhibiting expression of BCL2, and to cell cycle regulation by activating expression of CDKN1B, alone or together with BRCA1. It is also involved in glucose homeostasis. Researchers studying this protein may use a FOXA1 antibody or FOXA1 ELISA kit to examine its expression and role in these processes.
The FOXA1 gene encodes a member of the forkhead class of DNA-binding proteins and belongs to the HGNC forkhead box group. It was originally described as a transcription activator for liver genes such as AFP, albumin, tyrosine aminotransferase and PEPCK, and as a hepatocyte nuclear factor, hence the former name hepatocyte nuclear factor 3, alpha. FOXA1 is involved in the development of several endoderm-derived organ systems, including liver, pancreas, lung and prostate, and appears to share at least partly redundant roles with FOXA2.
FOXA1 is thought to open compacted chromatin through nucleosomal histone interactions, making it a key subject for studies of enhancer access.
FOXA1 modulates nuclear hormone receptors and is required for ESR1-mediated transcription, including ESR1 binding to the NKX2-1 promoter in breast cancer cells.
FOXA1 is involved in the development of liver, pancreas, lung and prostate, often with overlapping roles shared with FOXA2.
FOXA1 inhibits BCL2 expression and activates CDKN1B, linking this transcription factor to apoptosis and cell cycle regulation.
FOXA1 is a nuclear transcription factor that is thought to act as a pioneer factor, opening compacted chromatin at enhancer and promoter sites. It regulates tissue-specific gene expression, modulates nuclear hormone receptors, and influences apoptosis and cell cycle control through targets such as BCL2 and CDKN1B.
FOXA1 stands for forkhead box A1. It is also called HNF3A, and its UniProt protein name is hepatocyte nuclear factor 3-alpha. The previous HGNC name was hepatocyte nuclear factor 3, alpha. It belongs to the forkhead box gene group.
Mouse and rat both have a Foxa1 ortholog, and similar family members in mice regulate metabolism and the differentiation of pancreas and liver. In humans, FOXA1 and FOXA2 seem to have at least partly redundant roles in endoderm-derived organ development. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Related forkhead box transcription factors with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P55317; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.