TFAM

Mitochondrial transcription factor A, abbreviated as TFAM or mtTFA, is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the TFAM is_associated_with::gene.

Function
This gene encodes a is_associated_with::mitochondrial is_associated_with::transcription factor that is a key activator of mitochondrial transcription as well as a participant in mitochondrial genome replication. TFAM bends mitochondrial promoter DNA to aid transcription of the mitochondrial genome. Studies in mice have demonstrated that this gene product is required to regulate the mitochondrial genome copy number and is essential for is_associated_with::embryonic development. A mouse model for is_associated_with::Kearns-Sayre syndrome was produced when expression of this gene was eliminated by targeted disruption in heart and muscle cells.

Interactions
TFAM has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::TFB1M.