An in vivo study on mice proved MafA binds to the promoter in an insulin gene to regulate insulin transcription in response to serum glucose levels.[7] MafA is a β cell-specific activator, which differentiates it from other transcription factors involved with insulin gene expression.[8] It helps regulate the β cells involved with insulin secretion primarily by maintaining β cell metabolism.[9] The amount of MafA in the β cells is regulated by levels of glucose and oxidative stress.[6]
Interactions
MafA (gene) has been shown to interact with NEUROD1[10] and Pdx1.[10] MafA works with Pdx1 to activate the insulin gene.[6]
Aramata S, Han SI, Yasuda K, Kataoka K (2005). "Synergistic activation of the insulin gene promoter by the beta-cell enriched transcription factors MafA, Beta2, and Pdx1". Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 1730 (1): 41–6. doi:10.1016/j.bbaexp.2005.05.009. PMID15993959.