PHD finger protein 21B (PHF21B)

PHD finger protein 21B (PHF21B) is an epigenetic reader protein containing a plant homeodomain (PHD) finger, which binds modified and unmodified histone H3 tails and zinc ions[2][3][5]. Highly expressed in neural tissue, PHF21B modulates gene expression programs essential for synaptic plasticity, memory, and neurodevelopment[1]. Loss of PHF21B function in mice impairs social memory and reduces synaptic protein levels, supporting its role in neurotransmission and as a transcriptional regulator via interaction with histone modifications and the transcription factor CREB[1]. PHF21B (and related proteins) are implicated as tumor suppressors in cancer and may play roles in other disease contexts involving chromatin remodeling[4]. The human PHF21B gene is located at chromosome 22q13.3; alterations in this region are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders like Phelan-McDermid syndrome[1]. Currently, there are no approved drugs directly targeting PHF21B.

Other names

PHF21BPlant homeodomain finger protein 21BPHD finger protein 21B isoform 1

Potential mechanisms involve epigenetic modulation — drugs affecting chromatin state, histone acetylation/methylation, or gene transcription could indirectly modulate PHF21B function. Inhibitors or enhancers of associated pathways (e.g., CREB transcription factor, histone modification enzymes) may impact PHF21B-related activity[1].