Spalt-like transcription factor 3 (SALL3)

Spalt-like transcription factor 3 (SALL3) is a member of the evolutionarily conserved SALL family of C2H2-type zinc finger transcription factors. SALL3 regulates gene expression by binding to AT-rich regions in DNA via its zinc finger motifs, most notably interacting with DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) to reduce CpG island methylation. Loss or silencing of SALL3 increases DNMT3A activity, leading to aberrant DNA methylation and potentially contributing to oncogenesis, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma. SALL3 also serves as a determinant of lineage commitment in stem cell differentiation, with its expression biasing pluripotent stem cells toward ectodermal rather than mesodermal or endodermal fates. Mutations in SALL3 and related family members are associated with congenital disorders, emphasizing this protein's importance during embryonic development.

Other names

Sal-like protein 3SALL3ZNF796hSALL3Zinc finger protein 796Zinc finger protein SALL3C2H2 zinc finger protein SALL3epididymis secretory sperm binding proteinspalt-like zinc finger proteinzinc finger protein 796