Glutamine and serine-rich protein 1 (QSER1)

Glutamine and serine-rich protein 1 (QSER1) is a highly conserved nuclear chromatin-associated factor encoded on human chromosome 11p13. QSER1 regulates DNA methylation by protecting critical regulatory regions—such as bivalent promoters, poised enhancers, and DNA methylation valleys—from de novo DNA methylation by DNMT3A/B, functioning in cooperation with TET1 and other chromatin modulators[2][1][3]. It acts as a guardian of epigenetic status, essential for proper transcriptional and developmental gene regulation. QSER1 also physically interacts with p53 and has anti-apoptotic properties by suppressing pro-apoptotic genes, regardless of p53 status[4]. Aberrant expression of QSER1 is implicated in multiple cancers and other diseases. In research contexts, QSER1 serves as a candidate biomarker for disease risk and prognosis[3][4]. Protein properties include a high content of serine and glutamine residues, several nuclear localization signals, and domains linked to chromatin and transcriptional regulation. Its broad regulatory occupancy distinguishes QSER1 as a key epigenetic factor with implications for cell identity, development, and disease[2][1][3][4].

Other names

QSER1Glutamine and serine rich 1FLJ21924

No drugs currently reported with a direct mechanism of action targeting QSER1[3][4].