LIM domain only protein 4 (LMO4)

LIM domain only protein 4 (LMO4) is a widely expressed protein that contains tandem LIM domains (specialized zinc-binding structures important for protein-protein interactions) but lacks a DNA-binding motif, acting as a transcriptional cofactor or adaptor rather than directly binding DNA[1][4][5]. LMO4 serves as a hub in protein-protein interaction networks, binding to multiple factors (e.g., DEAF1, LIM domain binding protein 1/LDB1, CtIP/RBBP8, GATA6, bHLH proteins) and linking diverse signaling pathways within cells, particularly those controlling cell fate, proliferation, and differentiation[1][4][5]. It has key roles in embryonic development, especially neural tube closure, and in the regulation of mammary epithelial development[1][3][5]. Overexpression or misregulation of LMO4 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of certain human cancers, most notably breast cancer, where it is overexpressed in more than half of primary cases and acts to inhibit differentiation[5]. LMO4 is essential for survival and proliferation of specific cell populations during development, and its abnormal expression can lead to developmental abnormalities and oncogenesis[3][5]. No approved drugs are currently known to target LMO4 directly.

Other names

LIM domain only 4LIM domain transcription factor LMO4LMO-4breast tumor autoantigenLIM domain only protein 4LIM-only 4 protein