SR-related CTD-associated factor 4 (SCAF4)

SR-related CTD-associated factor 4 (SCAF4) is a member of the serine/arginine-rich (SR) splicing regulator family[3][4]. It encodes a protein of 1,147 amino acids, comprising a conserved CTD-interacting domain (CID) and an RNA recognition motif (RRM)[4]. SCAF4 interacts with the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II, functions as an anti-terminator by suppressing the premature usage of alternative polyadenylation sites, and links transcription with pre-mRNA splicing[1][2][3][4]. Together with SCAF8, it coordinates mRNA elongation and termination processes, ensuring that full-length, correctly processed mRNA is generated[4][7]. Loss of SCAF4 function causes broad deregulation of gene expression, alternative splicing, and truncated protein products, leading to neurodevelopmental disease phenotypes, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and association with ALS risk via regulatory variants[1][4][5][6]. Alternative splicing and transcript regulation mediated by SCAF4 have large effects on cell phenotype and function, but it does not fit in the classic mold of receptor, enzyme, or transporter drug targets.

Other names

SR-related CTD associated factor 4SCAF4KIAA1172SFRS15DKFZp434E098SRA4CTD-binding SR-like protein RA4Splicing factor, arginine/serine-rich 15FZSSR-like CTD-associated factor 4pre-mRNA splicing SR protein RA4Splicing factor serine alanine 15