Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 34 (ZBTB34)

Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 34 (ZBTB34) is a member of the BTB/POZ zinc finger transcription factor family, encoding a 504-amino-acid protein with an N-terminal BTB/POZ domain and three C2H2-type zinc finger motifs. ZBTB34 acts mainly as a transcriptional repressor, regulating gene expression in the nucleus, and binds telomeric DNA via its third zinc finger, competing with the telomere-binding protein Pot1b, thereby promoting telomere elongation and cell proliferation, particularly in embryonic stem cells. ZBTB34 is highly expressed in several cancer types, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, and functions via regulatory axes involving microRNAs (notably miR-125b-5p). Its nuclear import depends on a monopartite nuclear localization signal interacting with importin proteins. ZBTB34 is predominantly found in the nucleus and is expressed in various adult human tissues. Although no approved drugs directly target ZBTB34, its expression or activity may be indirectly modulated by non-coding RNAs and is under investigation as a possible cancer prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.

Other names

ZBTB34Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 34KIAA1993MGC24652ZNF918

Not applicable/no direct mechanism found, as no approved drugs currently target ZBTB34 directly. Potential indirect mechanism: modulation of ZBTB34 expression by microRNAs or regulatory axis (e.g., miR-125b-5p/ZBTB34/ZBTB10, POLR1B, AUH).