ELF3 (E74-like ETS transcription factor 3)is an epithelial-specific transcription factor belonging to the ETS family, primarily involved in regulating gene expression, cell differentiation, and inflammatory responses. It functions by binding to DNA sequences and activating or repressing downstream target genes, playing a key role in epithelial development and tissue homeostasis.



In cancer research, ELF3 has emerged as a context-dependent regulator with dual roles in tumor biology. It can act either as an oncogene or tumor suppressor depending on the cancer type, influencing cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and immune signaling pathways. Additionally, ELF3 has been identified as a potential prognostic biomarker in cancers such as ovarian cancer, highlighting its clinical relevance in disease progression and therapeutic targeting.