Definition: A family of transcription factors characterized by the presence of highly conserved calcineurin- and DNA-binding domains. NFAT proteins are activated in the CYTOPLASM by the calcium-dependent phosphatase CALCINEURIN. They transduce calcium signals to the nucleus where they can interact with TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR AP-1 or NF-KAPPA B and initiate GENETIC TRANSCRIPTION of GENES involved in CELL DIFFERENTIATION and development. NFAT proteins stimulate T-CELL activation through the induction of IMMEDIATE-EARLY GENES such as INTERLEUKIN-2.
Other names Transcription Factors, NFATC; Transcription Factor, NFATC4; Transcription Factor, NFATC3; Transcription Factor, NFATC2; Transcription Factor, NFATC1; Transcription Factor NF AT; Tonicity Responsive Enhancer Binding Protein; Nuclear Factors of Activated T Cells; Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells, Cytoplasmic 4; Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells, Cytoplasmic 3; Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells, Cytoplasmic 2; Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells, Cytoplasmic 1; Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells, Cytoplasmic; Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells 5 Protein; NFAT 2 Protein; NFAT 1 Protein; NF-AT, Transcription Factor; NF ATc1 Protein; NF AT4 Protein; NF AT3 Protein
