Research Progress on the Roles of MITF in Disease Pathogenesis
QIN Shuying, ZHANG Shujing*, PANG Qiuxiang*
MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor) is a member of the bHLH-LZ (basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper) family, widely presents across various animals, including invertebrates, primarily regulating melanin production. Recent researches show that over ten distinct subtypes of MITF have been identified across different tissues, organs, and environments. MITF contributes to biological processes including cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and DNA damage repair by modulating the expression of numerous target genes. With the progress of research, it has been discovered that MITF is closely linked to numerous diseases. This review primarily explores the biological functions of MITF and its relevance in the pathogenesis of various diseases, aiming to inform further mechanistic studies and suggest novel therapeutic approaches for related diseases.
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