Molecular Mechanism for Transcriptional Regulation of the Parathyroid Hormone Gene by Epiprofin

March 2025 in “ FEBS Journal ”

Takashi Nakamura, H Nakamura, Y. Iwasaki, Motomi Enomoto‐Iwamoto, Noriaki Nakashima, Satoshi Fukumoto, Maurizio Pacifici, Masahiro Iwamoto, Minoru Wakamori

parathyroid hormone Epiprofin calcium hyperparathyroidism NF-y Sp1 DNA elements chronic kidney disease calcium homeostasis

Studysummary This study found that Epiprofin acts as a negative regulator of parathyroid hormone transcription, with potential implications for controlling PTH production in hyperparathyroidism.

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The study explores the role of Epiprofin (Epfn) in regulating the parathyroid hormone (PTH) gene, revealing that Epfn acts as a suppressor of PTH transcription, particularly in response to calcium levels. Epfn knockout mice exhibited symptoms of hyperparathyroidism, such as elevated PTH levels and bone abnormalities, indicating that Epfn negatively regulates PTH expression. In vitro experiments showed that higher calcium levels increased Epfn expression while decreasing PTH expression. The study also found that Epfn suppresses NF-y-induced PTH gene up-regulation and interacts with Sp1 DNA elements, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for hyperparathyroidism, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease. The research involved 23 human clinical samples and highlighted Epfn's role in calcium homeostasis and its potential for novel treatment strategies with fewer side effects.

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research Pannexin 3 Regulates Skin Development via Epiprofin

13 citations , January 2021 in “Scientific Reports”

This study found that Pannexin 3 plays a crucial role in skin development by regulating the transcription factor Epiprofin, affecting keratinocyte differentiation and hair follicle regeneration in mice.

research The Krüppel-Like Factor Epiprofin Is Expressed by Epithelium of Developing Teeth, Hair Follicles, and Limb Buds and Promotes Cell Proliferation

88 citations , December 2003 in “Journal of Biological Chemistry”

This study identified epiprofin as a highly tissue-specific nuclear protein that promotes cell proliferation, mainly expressed in the developing teeth, hair follicles, and limbs of embryonic mice.