TFEBn

TFEBn, short for Transcription Factor EB-n, is a proposed member or novel isoform within the MiT/TFE family of transcription factors. The designation implies relation to TFEB, a key regulator of lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy, but TFEBn is not yet as thoroughly characterized. Reports describe TFEBn as sharing the core features of MiT family proteins while potentially carrying unique sequence elements.

Molecular features of TFEBn are predicted to include the conserved basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-Zip) domain that mediates dimerization and DNA binding to CLEAR elements in promoters of lysosome- and autophagy-related genes. It may also possess a nuclear localization signal and distinct transactivation regions that differentiate it from TFEB and related factors.

Function and regulation: as a member of the MiT/TFE family, TFEBn would be expected to regulate genes involved in lysosome function and autophagy, potentially overlapping with TFEB and TFE3. Its activity would likely be controlled by nutrient signaling and cellular stress cues, including phosphorylation status and nuclear translocation. Whether TFEBn responds to the same regulators as TFEB or has unique regulatory inputs remains to be clarified.

Status and research outlook: evidence for TFEBn is limited and not yet established in a consensus framework. Some studies report detection in particular models, but broader validation of its expression pattern, target genes, and functional role is lacking. TFEBn is currently treated as a tentative entity pending more rigorous characterization.

See also: TFEB, TFE3, MiT/TFE transcription factor family.