Myc-associated zinc finger protein (MAZ)

Myc-associated zinc finger protein (MAZ) is a widely expressed C2H2-type zinc finger transcription factor that binds specific DNA motifs (notably purine-rich sites), often near MYC and other critical gene promoters. MAZ regulates transcriptional initiation and termination, and functions as a chromatin organizer, acting both independently and in concert with the insulator protein CTCF to influence chromatin domain boundaries and genome architecture. MAZ is directly involved in controlling the transcription of immune response genes, in part by facilitating the binding of interferon-stimulated transcription factors (such as STAT1) and modifying chromatin accessibility. Its dysregulation or mutation is associated with several cancers, amyloidosis, and certain developmental syndromes, establishing its importance in normal physiology and disease. MAZ does not appear to have any currently approved drugs directly targeting it, but its central role in transcriptional programs makes it a potential therapeutic target in oncology and immunology.

Other names

Myc-associated zinc finger proteinMAZZNF801MAZISAF-1ZF87Pur-1Purine-binding transcription factorSerum amyloid A-activating factor-1Transcription factor Zif87Zinc finger protein 801PUR1SAF-2SAF-3Zif87zinc-finger protein, 87 kilodaltons

Drugs (if any) would likely modulate MAZ transcriptional activity or its interaction with DNA or chromatin-associated factors, potentially influencing immune or oncogenic transcriptional programs