MAFA Antibody

MAFA is a transcription factor that binds RIPE3b, a conserved enhancer element that regulates pancreatic beta cell-specific expression of the insulin gene. MAFA plays a key role in coordinating and controlling the level of insulin gene expression in islet beta cells. It is located in 8q24.3. The intracellular domain of MAFA contains a single immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM), which classifies MAFA as a member of an inhibitory receptor superfamily. The inhibitory capacity of MAFA is best defined in mast cells, where MAFA keeps in check the antigen-induced (i.e. Fc epsilon RI-induced) secretion ofinflammatory mediators.