Coup d'Etat: An orphan takes control

Abstract

Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factors (COUP-TFs) belong to the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily. Cloning of theircDNAsdemonstratedthe existence oftwodistinctbutrelated genes:COUP-TFI (EAR-3,NR2F1)andCOUP-TFII (ARP-1, NR2F2).Theyare referred to asorphanreceptors because ligands forCOUP-TFs have yet to be identified. Since 1998, extensive studies have demonstrated their physiological importance in cell-fate specification, organogenesis, angiogenesis, and metabolism, as well as a variety of diseases. In this article, we will comprehensively review the biological functions of COUP-TFII and its underlying mechanism in various developmental processes and diseases. In addition, we will briefly summarize some of the current findings of COUP-TFI. © 2011 by The Endocrine Society.