Double PHD fingers 1 (DPF1)

Double PHD fingers 1 (DPF1) is a neuron-enriched chromatin remodeling factor that mediates gene expression by recognizing specific histone modifications through its tandem PHD domains. It is part of the neuron-specific nBAF (SWI/SNF) complex, regulating neuronal differentiation and survival as neural progenitors exit mitosis. DPF1's activity is crucial for enabling transcriptional programs required for nervous system development, where its PHD fingers selectively bind acetylated and crotonylated histone H3 tails, thereby modulating chromatin structure and gene accessibility. Defects or dysregulation in DPF1 or related SWI/SNF components can result in neurodevelopmental syndromes and may have roles, as inferred from the PHD finger protein family, in cancer biology via epigenetic mechanisms[2][3][4][1].

Other names

BAF45BNEUD4Zinc finger protein neuro-d4SMARCG1BRG1-associated factor 45BD4neuro-d4 homolog

Not applicable (no proven DPF1-targeting mechanism for existing drugs; in theory, inhibition or modulation would affect chromatin state and neuronal gene transcription)