Mutations in the human genes encoding the transcription factors of the hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)1 and HNF4 families: functional and pathological consequences

Mutations in the human genes encoding the tissue-specific transcription factors hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)1 alpha, HNF1 beta and HNF4 alpha, are responsible for maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY), a monogenic dominant inherited form of diabetes mellitus characterized by defective insulin secretion of the pancreatic beta -cells. In addition, the mutated HNF1 beta gene causes defective development of the kidney and genital malformation. This review summarizes the main features of these transcription factors and discusses potential events leading to the specific disease phenotypes.