Mondo family proteins in diabetes

Carbohydrate-responsive element binding protein (ChREBP) and Max-like protein X (MLX) are key Mondo Family Proteins (MFPs) acting as transcription factors. They are known to couple intracellular sugar levels with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism by regulating glucose-responsive gene expression. MondoA regulates lipid metabolism and insulin signaling in addition to controlling glucose uptake, whereas ChREBP primarily regulates <i>de novo</i> lipogenesis and glycolysis. Differential gene expression data suggest that the expression of MondoA and ChREBP is cell type-specific, which is an important consideration when designing therapeutic strategies to control MFP-regulated transcriptional programs for different tissue-specific systems. In this review, we summarize recent advances made in the research field studying diabetes and its multi-organ complications, including those affecting the kidney, liver, heart, and retina. We also discuss recent advances in MFP-targeted therapies.