YEATS domain-containing protein 4 (YEATS4)

YEATS domain-containing protein 4 (YEATS4) is a highly conserved chromatin reader protein implicated in **epigenetic regulation** and **transcriptional activation** via specific recognition of acetylated and succinylated histones, especially H3K27ac and H3K14ac. It is a component of large chromatin-modifying complexes such as the NuA4 and SRCAP complexes, functioning as a key mediator for the transcription of selected genes by enabling histone variant exchange and promoting gene expression. YEATS4 lacks a canonical DNA-binding domain and instead acts by facilitating the recruitment of transcriptional coactivators and chromatin remodelers. Frequently amplified and overexpressed in several cancers, YEATS4 exerts potent oncogenic effects, particularly by downregulating p53 activity, supporting tumor cell proliferation, survival, migration, and chemoresistance. It plays direct roles in cell cycle progression, DNA replication, and the cellular response to DNA damage. Due to these critical functions in cancer biology and its predictive value for drug resistance, YEATS4 is considered a promising but challenging therapeutic target in oncology.

Other names

GAS41NuBI-1NuMA-binding protein 1YAF9Glioma-amplified sequence 41NUBI-1Yeast associated factor 9B230215M10Rik4930573H17Rik

Small molecule inhibitors aim to disrupt YEATS4 activity by blocking histone binding or chromatin interaction, thereby interfering with oncogenic gene expression programs and tumor cell survival