Vascular endothelial zinc finger 1 (VEZF1)

Vascular endothelial zinc finger 1 (VEZF1) is a C2H2-type zinc finger transcription factor expressed predominantly in vascular endothelial cells and their precursors.[1][5] VEZF1 is essential for embryonic vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, regulating differentiation and proliferation of endothelial cells.[5][6] It binds G-rich DNA sequences and specifically recognizes G-quadruplex DNA structures, modulating alternative polyadenylation and splicing of target genes such as VASH1 involved in angiogenesis.[3] VEZF1 also controls key epigenetic states by regulating DNA methylation, influencing expression of genes such as Dnmt3b.[2][8] Altered VEZF1 function is potentially implicated in cancer (via methylation changes and gene regulation), cardiovascular development, and possibly genetic syndromes associated with methylation defects.[2][3] While VEZF1 is not currently a direct therapeutic target, its function can be indirectly perturbed by small molecules that stabilize DNA G-quadruplexes, warranting caution due to widespread regulatory roles.[3]

Other names

DB1ZNF161Zinc finger protein 161Putative transcription factor DB1CMD1OOBGP1

Disruption of VEZF1-G quadruplex (G4) DNA interaction can modulate alternative polyadenylation and the angiogenesis pathway. Small-molecule G4 stabilizers may block VEZF1 binding to DNA, reducing its regulatory effects on gene expression and angiogenesis.