Scaffold attachment factor B-like transcription modulator (SLTM)

Scaffold attachment factor B-like transcription modulator (SLTM) is a highly conserved, multifunctional protein that acts as an epigenetic and transcriptional regulator. It binds both DNA and RNA, and regulates chromatin accessibility, transcriptional silencing, and mRNA processing in the nucleus[1][2][3]. Notably, SLTM maintains a repressed chromatin state over integrated HIV-1 provirus, suppressing viral gene expression and facilitating viral latency; inhibition of SLTM can reactivate latent HIV in T cells, making it a proposed therapeutic target in “shock and kill” HIV cure strategies[1]. Additionally, the circRNA derived from SLTM (circSLTM) plays a significant role in osteoarthritis by promoting inflammatory and apoptotic pathways in chondrocytes, making it a potential disease target[1]. The SLTM protein belongs to the SAFB family of DNA–RNA-binding proteins, sharing homology and broad molecular functions with SAFB1 and SAFB2, including roles in chromatin structure, stress response, DNA repair, and regulation of transcription termination and mRNA splicing[2][3].

Other names

SAFB-like transcription modulatorSLTMMetModulator of estrogen-induced transcriptionFLJ13213SAFB-like transcriptional modulator

Inhibition or knockdown of SLTM increases chromatin accessibility and enhances transcription of latent HIV-1, reactivating viral gene expression. Silencing of circSLTM modulates chondrocyte apoptosis and inflammation, relevant in OA pathology. Modulates mRNA processing via protein-protein interaction and RNA binding.