The transcription factor HNF4a: A Key player in haematological disorders

HNF4a is one of the steroid hormone receptor family of transcription factors with roles in the development of the liver and the regulation of several critical metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, drug metabolism, apolipoproteins, and blood coagulation. HNF4a transcriptional potency is well known due to its involvement in diabetes and other metabolic diseases. However, recently HNF4a has become highly associated with several haematological disorders, mainly because of genetic mutations, drugs and hepatic disorders. We review HNF4a structure and function, and its role in haematological disorders. We discuss possible novel therapies that are based on targeting HNF4a. There is no doubt that HNF4a based prognostic markers and therapeutic interventions will offer new opportunities in the clinical interventions of haematological disorders.