NFATC4
NFATC4, also known as NFAT3, is a Ca(2+)-regulated transcription factor of the nuclear factor of activated T cells family. It contributes to the development and function of the immune, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Browse Assay Genie's current range of NFATC4 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
NFATC4 (nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 4) is a Ca(2+)-regulated transcription factor. It forms part of a DNA-binding transcription complex made up of at least two components: a preexisting cytosolic component that translocates to the nucleus upon T cell receptor stimulation, and an inducible nuclear component. NFAT proteins are activated by the calmodulin-dependent phosphatase calcineurin. NFATC4 binds the consensus DNA sequence 5'-GGAAAAT-3'. In T cells it stimulates transcription of cytokine genes, including IL2 and IL4, and in the presence of CREBBP it activates TNF transcription.
Beyond the immune system, NFATC4 acts in several tissues. Together with NFATC3 it is involved in embryonic heart development, and as part of a complex with NFATC3 and STAT3 it binds the alpha-beta E4 promoter region of CRYAB to activate transcription in cardiomyocytes following JAK/STAT signalling. It supports mitochondrial energy metabolism needed for cardiac morphogenesis and transactivates cardiovascular genes such as AGTR2, NPPB/BNP (in synergy with GATA4), NPPA/ANP/ANF and MYH7/beta-MHC. In the nervous system it is involved in adult hippocampal neurogenesis, BDNF-driven pro-survival signalling in adult-born hippocampal neurons, long-term spatial memory and long-term potentiation. In cochlear nucleus neurons it may contribute to deafferentation-induced apoptosis during the developmental critical period.
NFATC4 also binds and activates the BACE1 promoter, so it may regulate proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein. It plays a role in adipocyte differentiation, binding the PPARG promoter and regulating its activity, and may be involved in myoblast differentiation into myotubes. The NFATC4 gene belongs to the HGNC groups for nuclear factors of activated T-cells and IPT domain containing proteins, and alternative splicing produces multiple transcript variants. Earlier names include NFAT3 and nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic, calcineurin-dependent 4. Mouse and rat both have an Nfatc4 ortholog.
NFATC4 stimulates cytokine gene transcription, including IL2 and IL4, making it relevant to studies of T-cell activation downstream of calcineurin.
Working with NFATC3, NFATC4 is involved in embryonic heart development and transactivates cardiovascular genes such as NPPA, NPPB and MYH7.
NFATC4 is involved in neurogenesis, BDNF-driven survival of adult-born neurons, long-term potentiation and the formation of long-term spatial memory.
NFATC4 regulates the PPARG promoter during adipocyte differentiation and may contribute to myoblast differentiation into myotubes.
NFATC4 is a Ca(2+)-regulated transcription factor activated by the phosphatase calcineurin. It translocates to the nucleus on T cell receptor stimulation and drives cytokine genes such as IL2 and IL4. It also acts in heart, brain, fat and muscle development and function.
Yes. NFATC4 is also known as NFAT3, and earlier names include nuclear factor of activated T-cells 4 and nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic, calcineurin-dependent 4. The NCBI Gene record notes that alternative splicing gives multiple transcript variants.
Orthologs named Nfatc4 exist in both mouse and rat, so the protein can be studied in common rodent models. NFATC4 belongs to the NFAT family alongside NFATC1, NFATC2 and NFATC3. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other NFAT family transcription factors that share calcineurin-dependent activation with NFATC4.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q14934; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.