Zic family member 1 (ZIC1)

Zic family member 1 (ZIC1) is a C2H2-type zinc finger transcription factor that plays a critical role in neural development, cranial morphogenesis, and organogenesis by regulating the proliferation, differentiation, and regional patterning of neural progenitors[1][2][3][4]. ZIC1 is highly conserved among vertebrates, functions in DNA binding and protein-protein interactions, and acts primarily as a developmental regulator. Loss-of-function or mutation of ZIC1 is associated with congenital disorders such as Dandy–Walker syndrome and craniosynostosis. In cancer, ZIC1 typically functions as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis via regulation of key signaling pathways (MAPK, PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin), although it may promote oncogenesis in certain mesenchymal tumors. Its function is tightly controlled by both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms, including mRNA G-quadruplex-mediated translation regulation[1][2][3].

Other names

Zinc finger protein ZIC 1Zinc finger protein 201ZNF201Zinc finger protein of the cerebellum 1BAIDCSCRS6Zic family member 1 (odd-paired homolog, Drosophila)