title: Multiple functions of Maf in the regulation of cellular development and differentiation.
abstract: Cellular muscular aponeurotic fibrosarcoma (c-Maf) is a member of the large macrophage-activating factor family. C-Maf plays important roles in the morphogenetic processes and cellular differentiation of the lens, kidneys, liver, T cells and nervous system, and it is particularly important in pancreatic islet and erythroblastic island formation. However, the exact role of c-Maf remains to be elucidated. In this review, we summarize the research to clarify the functions of c-Maf in the cellular development and differentiation. The expression of c-Maf is higher in pancreatic duct cells than in pancreatic islet cells. Therefore, we suggest that pancreatic duct cells may be converted to the functional insulin-secreting cells by regulating c-Maf.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
authors.forename: Chuan
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Microbiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
authors.forename: Zhi-Min
authors.initials: ZM
authors.lastname: Guo
mesh_terms: D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D010179:Pancreas / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D010183:Pancreatic Ducts / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D051257:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-maf / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: C495607:MAF protein, human; D051257:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-maf
keywords: c-Maf; diabetes mellitus; β cell