The hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 (HNF3 or FOXA) family in metabolism

The genes encoding hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 (HNF3) proteins play a pivot al role in the regulation of metabolism and in the differentiation of metab olic tissues such as the pancreas and liver. HNF3 transcription factors bin d to cis-regulatory elements in hundreds of genes encoding gluconeogenic an d glycolytic enzymes, serum proteins and hormones. Genetic analysis in mice has shown that HNF3 beta is necessary for the development of the foregut e ndoderm, from which the liver and pancreas arise. HNF3 alpha is required fo r the full activation of glucagon in the pancreas whereas HNF3 gamma induce s the activation of gluconeogenic enzymes to prevent hypoglycemia during fa sting.