Leucine zipper protein 4 (LUZP4)

Leucine zipper protein 4 (LUZP4) is an RNA-binding protein originally identified as a cancer/testis antigen, highly expressed in germ cell tumors and certain other malignancies such as melanoma and multiple myeloma[1][5][8]. LUZP4 acts as an mRNA export adaptor by associating with components of the TREX complex, specifically interacting with Uap56 and enhancing the activity of the mRNA export receptor Nxf1. This facilitates the nuclear export of mRNA and regulation of gene expression[1][5]. Aberrant LUZP4 expression is associated with increased tumor cell growth, colony formation, and resistance to chemotherapy[1]. LUZP4 is also a newly characterized autoantigen in paraneoplastic neurological syndromes, especially those associated with germ cell tumors, and the presence of LUZP4-specific immunoglobulin G is a predictive serological biomarker in these patients[4]. Rare variants in LUZP4 have been implicated in neurodevelopmental diseases such as childhood-onset schizophrenia[1].

Other names

Cancer/testis antigen 28CT-28CT28HOM-TES-85CT-8Tumor antigen HOM-TES-85

Not applicable, as no drugs targeting LUZP4 are documented; LUZP4 is an antigen and not a typical drug target[1][5][4].