CXXC finger protein 1 (CXXC1 (CFP1))

CXXC finger protein 1 (CXXC1/CFP1) is a DNA-binding protein featuring a CXXC-type zinc finger domain and a PHD finger domain. CXXC1 binds specifically to unmethylated CpG motifs—especially CpG islands within active promoters—via its CXXC domain, and functions as a targeting subunit for the SETD1/COMPASS histone H3K4 methyltransferase complex[2][4][6]. Through this activity, CXXC1 ensures proper chromatin state, regulating gene expression, and maintaining the epigenetic landscape necessary for cell differentiation and development[1][2][4][6]. In immune cells, CXXC1 is a critical cofactor for FOXP3, orchestrating the regulatory T cell transcriptional program; its loss disrupts immune homeostasis and can induce severe autoimmune disease in model organisms[5]. Structure-function studies reveal CXXC1 contains redundant domains crucial for cytosine methylation and histone modification, and knockout models display broad defects across growth, differentiation, and DNA repair pathways[1][3][4]. CXXC1 has not been identified as a direct drug target, but its role in epigenetic regulation makes it a potential locus for future therapeutic development, particularly in oncology, immunology, and developmental disorder research.

Other names

CFP1CGBPPCCX1PHF18HsT2645SPP1ZCGPC1CpG-binding proteinDNA-binding protein with PHD finger and CXXC domainPHD finger and CXXC domain-containing protein 12410002I16Rik5830420C16Rik

Not directly targeted by known drugs; theoretical mechanism would involve: - Inhibition of CpG binding - Modulation of SETD1/COMPASS complex activity - Alteration of histone/K4 methylation