MORC family CW-type zinc finger protein 3 (MORC3)

MORC family CW-type zinc finger protein 3 (MORC3) is a nuclear matrix protein containing a GHKL-type ATPase domain, a CW-type zinc finger domain, and coiled-coil regions. It acts as a chromatin-associated protein that recognizes and binds methylated histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) through its CW domain, regulating chromatin accessibility, transcription, and participation in DNA damage response. Through ATP-dependent dimerization, MORC3 forms nuclear bodies and localizes to specific genomic loci. It also displays RNA binding and innate antiviral activity, and mutations, or autoantibodies targeting MORC3 are associated with certain cancers, autoimmune conditions (notably dermatomyositis), and developmental disorders. Key functional aspects include its autoinhibition by CW-ATPase domain interaction, activation by histone tail binding, and modulation of catalytic activity essential for chromatin organization.

Other names

KIAA0136NXP2ZCW5Nuclear matrix protein 2Zinc finger CW-type coiled-coil domain protein 3ZCWCC3nuclear matrix protein NXP2