The hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4A) is a transcription factor belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily, primarily expressed in the liver, pancreas, kidney, and intestines. It plays a critical role in embryonic development, tissue-specific gene regulation, and metabolic homeostasis, particularly in glucose, lipid, and cholesterol metabolism. HNF4A binds DNA as a homodimer, regulating the expression of genes involved in epithelial cell differentiation, detoxification, and nutrient transport. Dysregulation of HNF4A is linked to metabolic disorders, including maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY1), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and hepatocellular carcinoma.
HNF4A antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in both normal and pathological contexts. They are widely used in techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and immunofluorescence to investigate tissue-specific protein levels, transcriptional activity, and interactions with co-regulators. Commercially available antibodies target specific epitopes, including isoforms (e.g., HNF4A1 and HNF4A7) generated by alternative promoters, enabling isoform-specific research. Validating antibody specificity is crucial due to structural similarities with other nuclear receptors. Research utilizing HNF4A antibodies has advanced understanding of its role in disease mechanisms, drug metabolism, and potential therapeutic targeting.