Fig. 4

MiTF in mast cells. MiTF in mast cells is controlled by both positive and negative regulators: positive regulators can act either at the transcriptional level by increasing MiTF expression and at the post-transcriptional level by modulating MiTF activity and interactions with repressors, while negative regulators preferentially act at the protein level by binding to and inhibiting MiTF activity. Concerning its targets, MiTF controls the expression of proteins that are fundamental for both proliferation (i.e., growth factor receptors) and differentiation of mast cells. The latter include proteins stored in secretory granules, such as proteases, adhesion molecules and metabolic enzymes