NCOA4

Cargo receptor for the autophagic turnover of the iron-binding ferritin complex, playing a central role in iron homeostasis. Acts as an adapter for delivery of ferritin to lysosomes and autophagic degradation of ferritin, a process named ferritinophagy. Targets the iron-binding ferritin complex to autolysosomes following starvation or iron depletion. Ensures efficient erythropoiesis, possibly by regulating hemin-induced erythroid differentiation. In some studies, has been shown to enhance the androgen receptor AR transcriptional activity as well as acting as ligand-independent coactivator of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma. Another study shows only weak behavior as a coactivator for the androgen receptor and no alteration of the ligand responsiveness of the AR. Binds to DNA replication origins, binding is not restricted to sites of active transcription and may likely be independent from the nuclear receptor transcriptional coactivator function. May inhibit activation of DNA replication origins, possibly by obstructing DNA unwinding via interaction with the MCM2-7 complex..

Function from UniProtKB (Q13772), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.