USF1 Human
Description
USF1 is fused to a 23 amino acid His-tag at N-terminus & purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Upstream Transcription Factor 1 (USF1) is a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the regulation of various metabolic and vascular diseases. It is encoded by the USF1 gene located on chromosome 1q23.3 in humans . USF1 belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) family of transcription factors, which are known for their ability to bind DNA and regulate gene expression .
USF1 is characterized by its bHLH-LZ motif, which facilitates DNA binding and dimerization with other proteins. This transcription factor is involved in the regulation of numerous genes, particularly those associated with lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and cellular response to insulin . USF1 binds to E-box motifs in the promoter regions of target genes, thereby influencing their transcriptional activity .
USF1 has been implicated in the genetic control of metabolic and vascular diseases, including familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL), metabolic syndrome, and related conditions . FCHL is characterized by elevated levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, or both, and is associated with an increased risk of premature coronary heart disease . Studies have shown that USF1 influences plasma lipid levels, insulin sensitivity, and body composition .
The mechanisms by which USF1 regulates metabolic traits are complex and involve multiple pathways. Over-expression of human USF1 in transgenic mice and mice with transient liver-specific over-expression has been shown to affect metabolic phenotypes, including obesity, total cholesterol levels, LDL/VLDL cholesterol, and glucose/insulin ratio . Gene network and pathway analyses have suggested that USF1 is involved in immune responses and metabolism, including an insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP2)-centered module .
USF1’s role in metabolic diseases makes it a potential target for therapeutic interventions. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of USF1 can provide insights into the development of treatments for conditions such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases . Additionally, USF1 has been associated with other conditions, including diabetic kidney disease and certain cancers .
