TOX high mobility group box family member 4 (TOX4)

TOX high mobility group box family member 4 (TOX4) is a nuclear protein featuring an HMG-box domain that enables chromatin DNA binding and plays a role in the regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II[1][3]. TOX4 is a component of the PTW/PP1 complex—consisting of PNUTS, WDR82, and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1)—that orchestrates chromatin state transitions, cell cycle progression (notably mitotic exit), and transcriptional reinitiation[1]. It is broadly expressed, highly in normal lung tissue, and is implicated in chromatin decondensation, DNA damage response, and modulation of glucose production in hepatic tissue independently of canonical insulin signaling[1]. Genome-wide studies show that TOX4 loss leads to abnormal RNA polymerase II phosphorylation and defects in transcriptional regulation[1]. While TOX4 is epigenetically active during tumorigenesis (maintaining unmethylated, active promoters unlike other TOX family members), specific pathogenic mutations or therapeutic targeting remain unreported in the literature as of 2025[3]. Key caveat: LCP1 and MIG7 are not aliases for TOX4; they refer to distinct proteins (LCP1: Lymphocyte cytosolic protein 1; MIG7: Migration-inducing gene 7)[3]. The correct aliases for TOX4 are C14orf92 and KIAA0737. TOX4 has not been established as a traditional therapeutic target such as a receptor, ion channel, transporter, or enzyme.

Other names

C14orf92KIAA0737TOX4