Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 Alpha: A Key Regulator of Liver Disease Pathology and Haemostatic Disorders

OBJECTIVE: Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) is a master regulator of hepatocyte differentiation in fetal and adult liver and exerts its transcriptional role in determining physiological functions of the liver. The objective of this review is to address the current knowledge of molecular mechanisms involved in HNF4α regulation in multiple aspects of liver disease pathogenesis. METHODS: Based on available literature, this review summarises the current state of knowledge onthe mechanism of HNF4α dysregulation, and the role of HNF4α activity inregulating early to advanced stages of various liver diseases. RESULTS: Patients with deranged HNF4α expression are at higher risk for the development of liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic/nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, and haematological disorders such as coagulopathy and bleeding disorders. DISCUSSION: HNF4α interactions with nuclear receptors and target genes promote liver disease pathology by regulating various metabolic pathways. The strong correlation between deranged HNF4α expression and the severity of liver diseases suggests that targeting HNF4α expression can offer potential therapeutic strategy in the prevention of liver disease pathology and haemostatic disorders.