PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16)

PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16) is a zinc finger transcription factor and histone-lysine N-methyltransferase that regulates cell lineage fate determination, particularly the differentiation of brown adipose tissue versus muscle, and controls thermogenic gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms. It is especially vital in the development and function of brown adipocytes, promoting oxidative metabolism and thermogenesis, thus having implications for obesity and metabolic diseases. Clinically, PRDM16 is implicated in several cancers—most prominently acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes—due to chromosomal translocations that generate truncated, oncogenic PRDM16 isoforms. Mutations in PRDM16 are also associated with cardiomyopathy (notably left ventricular noncompaction) and may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. No approved drugs specifically target PRDM16, but its role in disease makes it a focus of ongoing research for therapeutic and biomarker development.

Other names

MEL1KMT8FLVNC8PFM13CMD1LLKIAA1675MDS1/EVI1-likeMGC166915PR domain zinc finger protein 16Transcription factor MEL1PR-domain zinc finger protein 16

Not applicable for drugs, as PRDM16 is not a direct drug target with approved therapeutics; mechanisms would relate to inhibition or modulation of PRDM16-mediated transcription or epigenetic regulation.