Zinc finger AN1-type containing 4 (ZFAND4)

Zinc finger AN1-type containing 4 (ZFAND4) is a protein encoded by the ZFAND4 gene in humans. It belongs to the AN1-type zinc finger protein family, characterized by a conserved Cys6His2 zinc-binding motif, and is predicted to bind zinc ions[5][3]. While its complete physiological role remains unclear, research has shown that ZFAND4 acts as an oncogene in gastric cancer by promoting cellular proliferation; its expression is regulated by miR-182 in a negative feedback loop[3]. ZFAND4 is also identified as an upregulated gene in recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma and has been suggested as a potential prognostic marker for metastasis and poor prognosis in such cancers[3][8]. There is currently no evidence of approved drugs targeting ZFAND4, nor established mechanisms of action for pharmacological targeting. Its molecular functions may include participation in protein-protein interactions and potentially in regulating protein degradation pathways through ubiquitin-related processes, owing to similarity with other AN1-type, ubiquitin-associated zinc finger proteins[3][1]. Expression of ZFAND4 is highest in the testis but also detected in various other tissues[7]. No prominent safety concerns or therapeutic challenges have been described in the context of targeting ZFAND4.

Other names

ANUBL1AN1-type zinc finger and ubiquitin domain-containing protein-like 1AN1-type zinc finger protein 4zinc finger, AN1-type domain 4FLJ40185