GATA4, or GATA binding protein 4, is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in heart development, cardiomyocyte differentiation, and cardiac remodeling. It belongs to the GATA family of transcription factors, characterized by two zinc finger structures that enable DNA binding specificity. GATA4 is expressed in various cardiac cells, including myocardial cells, cardiac endothelial cells, and cardiac fibroblasts, and its mutation is closely associated with congenital heart diseases. Moreover, GATA4 is implicated in the regulation of gene expression related to cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, where its activity can be modulated by various factors, including post-translational modifications such as acetylation and phosphorylation. It also interacts with other transcription factors like NKX2-5 and has been shown to be involved in the epigenetic regulation of cardiac-specific gene expression. The role of GATA4 extends beyond cardiac functions, as it is also implicated in the development and progression of various cancers, including breast cancer, where it regulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), affecting cell invasion and migration. The multifaceted functions of GATA4 underscore its significance in both cardiac biology and oncology.
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