Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 4 (ZBTB4)

Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 4 (ZBTB4) is a transcriptional repressor in the POK (POZ and Krüppel) family, characterized by C2H2 zinc finger and BTB/POZ domains[1][2][4][5]. It binds methylated CpG DNA in a sequence-specific manner, recruits co-repressor complexes such as Sin3/histone deacetylases, and suppresses transcription of target genes including key cell cycle regulators (e.g., p21). ZBTB4 functions as a tumor suppressor, restraining proliferation, invasion, and genomic instability in multiple types of cancers. Its activity is post-translationally regulated, and its loss is associated with increased tumorigenesis and genomic instability. Lower ZBTB4 expression correlates with poor clinical prognosis in colorectal, breast, prostate, and Ewing's sarcoma, and may serve as both a therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker[1][2][5]. It is also implicated in inflammatory pathways and as a genetic modifier in neurodegenerative disease onset[1][2].

Other names

KIAA1538KAISO-L1ZNF903KAISO-like zinc finger protein 1zinc finger and BTB domain containing 4

Drugs or compounds that increase ZBTB4 expression may exert antineoplastic effects by inhibiting transcription of oncogenic targets (e.g., EZH2, survivin) through Sp transcription factor competition or microRNA modulation[1][2].