Double PHD fingers 3 (DPF3)

Double PHD fingers 3 (DPF3), also known as zinc finger protein DPF3 or BAF45C, is a **transcription regulator and epigenetic reader** that binds acetylated and methylated histone tails through its two plant homeodomain (PHD) zinc finger motifs[1][2][3][4][5]. DPF3 is a key component of the BAF (BRG1/BRM-associated factor) chromatin remodeling complex, which regulates gene accessibility and transcription by altering DNA-nucleosome topology. DPF3 serves as a tissue-specific anchor between histone modifications and chromatin remodeling, and it is especially important in **heart and skeletal muscle development**, as well as in the regulation of muscle-specific gene expression[2][3]. In pathology, DPF3 is associated with cancers (notably breast cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and congenital heart diseases. Mechanistically, DPF3 modulates pathways including the JAK2/STAT3 signaling axis, and its dysregulation promotes increased cell proliferation and motility in cancer cells[1][6]. No drugs directly targeting DPF3 are currently approved or widely reported. Altered expression of DPF3 can serve as a **biomarker** for cancer risk and progression[1][6].

Other names

Zinc finger protein DPF3BAF45CCERD4Cerd4FLJ14079SMARCG3BRG1-associated factor 45CD4Zinc and double PHD fingers, family 3

Epigenetic modulation by binding acetylated and methylated lysine residues on histones, affecting gene transcription; Scaffold/recruitment for chromatin remodeling complexes (BAF/SWI-SNF)