Mafs

Mafs, in genetics, denotes the Maf family of transcription factors, a group of basic leucine zipper (bZIP) proteins that regulate gene expression. The Maf family is divided into large Mafs—MAFA, MAFB, and c-MAF—and small Mafs—MAFF, MAFG, and MAFK. These proteins can form homodimers or heterodimers with other bZIP proteins and bind DNA at Maf recognition elements to modulate transcription. They participate in diverse biological processes, including development, differentiation, metabolism, and responses to oxidative stress. In the pancreas, MAFA is important for insulin gene regulation in beta cells; MAFB has roles in islet cell development. Small Mafs partner with Nrf2 and other factors to regulate antioxidant response elements. Dysregulation or mutations in Mafs have been linked to diseases such as diabetes and cancer in some contexts.

In non-scientific contexts, MAFS (or Mafs) can be an acronym for several organizations or media titles. It is used for government ministries or departments with names such as “Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries” or “Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry” in different countries, though the exact scope varies. In popular culture, MAFS is widely recognized as the abbreviation for Married at First Sight, an international reality television franchise. Because MAFS has multiple possible meanings, additional context is usually required to determine which usage is intended.