Ring finger protein 112 (RNF112)

Ring finger protein 112 (RNF112), also known as ZNF179 or neurolastin, is a brain-specific member of the dynamin large GTPase family. It possesses both a RING finger domain (characteristic of E3 ubiquitin ligases) and GTPase domains, giving it dual enzymatic activities: it hydrolyzes GTP, enabling membrane remodeling, and acts as an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase essential for neuronal differentiation, synapse formation, and maintenance. RNF112 is highly expressed in the brain, regulates dendritic spine density, and protects neural tissues from oxidative stress. Genetic data links RNF112 with neurological diseases, including neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions (it is localized within the Smith-Magenis syndrome genomic region). While no drugs directly target RNF112 yet, its enzymatic functions make it a candidate for therapeutic intervention in neurological disorders.

Other names

ZNF179NeurolastinZinc finger protein 179Brain finger proteinBFPRING finger protein 112RNF112

For potential future drugs: inhibition or modulation of GTPase or E3 ubiquitin ligase activities to alter neuronal differentiation or synaptic maintenance. Current mechanisms are characterized as protein-protein interactions and post-translational modification (ubiquitination).