The role of microRNAs in hepatocyte nuclear factor-4alpha expression and transactivation

► HNF-4 plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance the liver phenotype. ► Specific miRNAs down-regulate HNF-4 expression by targeting 3′-UTR of HNF-4 mRNA. ► The miRNA dependent regulation affects the transactivation of HNF-4 target genes. ► The regulatory mechanism of miRNAs may have important impacts on liver phenotype.