ELF4

The protein encoded by this gene is a transcriptional activator that binds and activates the promoters of the CSF2, IL3, IL8, and PRF1 genes. The encoded protein is involved in natural killer cell development and function, innate immunity, and induction of cell cycle arrest in naive CD8+ cells. Two transcript variants encoding the same protein have been found for this gene.[provided by RefSeq, Jan 2010]

Full Name

E74 Like ETS Transcription Factor 4

Research Area

Transcriptional activator that binds to DNA sequences containing the consensus 5'-WGGA-3'. Transactivates promoters of the hematopoietic growth factor genes CSF2, IL3, IL8, and of the bovine lysozyme gene. Acts synergistically with RUNX1 to transactivate the IL3 promoter (By similarity).

Also transactivates the PRF1 promoter in natural killer (NK) cells. Plays a role in the development and function of NK and NK T-cells and in innate immunity. Controls the proliferation and homing of CD8+ T-cells via the Kruppel-like factors KLF4 and KLF2 (By similarity).

Controls cell senescence in a p53-dependent manner. Can also promote cellular transformation through inhibition of the p16 pathway.

Biological Process

Cell differentiation Source: GO_Central
Innate immune response Source: InterPro
Natural killer cell proliferation Source: UniProtKB
NK T cell proliferation Source: UniProtKB
Positive regulation of transcription, DNA-templated Source: UniProtKB
Positive regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II Source: UniProtKB
Regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II Source: GO_Central

Cellular Location

PML body. Accumulation into PML nuclear bodies is mediated by PML.

Involvement in disease

A chromosomal aberration involving ELF4 has been found in a case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Translocation t(X;21)(q25-26;q22) with ERG.