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HNF-4alpha

Meaning

HNF-4alpha, or Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 alpha, is a critically important transcription factor that belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily of proteins. It functions as a master regulator of gene expression, particularly in the liver, pancreas, and intestines, playing a central role in maintaining systemic metabolic homeostasis. In the domain of hormonal health, HNF-4alpha is essential for the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, and genetic mutations in its encoding gene are a recognized cause of a monogenic form of diabetes known as MODY1.