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Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor-4α (HNF-4α)

Meaning

Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor-4α (HNF-4α) is a critical, ligand-binding transcription factor, a protein that regulates gene expression, predominantly expressed in the liver, pancreas, kidney, and intestines. In the context of hormonal and metabolic health, HNF-4α acts as a master regulator essential for maintaining glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and the synthesis of numerous plasma proteins. Its functional integrity is paramount for proper liver detoxification pathways, which are necessary for the metabolism and clearance of endogenous steroid hormones and their metabolites.