Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 7C (ZBTB7C)

Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 7C (ZBTB7C) is a nuclear transcription factor characterized by a C2H2-type zinc finger motif that binds specific DNA sequences and a BTB/POZ domain that mediates protein-protein interactions and chromatin remodeling. It regulates gene expression by acting as both a transcriptional repressor and activator, influencing processes such as cell cycle progression, cell differentiation, and metabolism—including glucose, glutamine, and lipid metabolic pathways. In cancer biology, ZBTB7C displays context-dependent roles—functioning as a tumor suppressor (notably in colorectal cancer, where low expression correlates with poor survival) or as a proto-oncogene (promoting proliferation and metabolic reprogramming in certain tumor types, including renal cancer and osteosarcoma). ZBTB7C also interacts physically with p53, repressing expression of key target genes involved in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Its expression and function have broader implications in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., sex-specific associations with Alzheimer’s disease) and metabolic disorders. While considered a potential therapeutic target and biomarker, there are no known direct small molecule modulators or drugs currently targeting ZBTB7C in clinical use

Other names

APM1APM-1ZBTB36ZNF857CKR-POKB230208J24Rikaffected by papillomavirus DNA integration in ME180 cells protein 1zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 36zinc finger protein 857C

Transcriptional regulation—repression of target genes (such as p21/CDKN1A and SIRT1) via interaction with p53 and chromatin-modifying complexes; Modulation of metabolic enzymes (e.g., transcriptional activation of glutaminase for glutamine metabolism, fatty acid synthase for lipid synthesis)