Zinc finger and SCAN domain-containing protein 21 (ZSCAN21)

Zinc finger and SCAN domain-containing protein 21 (ZSCAN21) is a DNA-binding transcription factor of the C2H2-type zinc finger family, characterized by the presence of both zinc finger motifs that mediate DNA binding and a SCAN domain involved in protein-protein interactions[1][2][4][5]. It functions as a transcriptional activator that regulates gene expression, particularly via RNA polymerase II. ZSCAN21 is specifically implicated in the transcriptional regulation of the α-synuclein gene (SNCA), a process closely associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease[1][2]. It is expressed in neurons and can modulate SNCA expression in response to cellular stress and signaling pathways. Regulatory interactions with TRIM17 and TRIM41 control ZSCAN21 protein stability and, consequently, α-synuclein levels[2]. ZSCAN21 has been found to act in both positive and negative regulation of gene expression in various cellular contexts, influencing neural development and possibly contributing to certain disease states. While it has been identified as a renal carcinoma antigen and may have a role in cancer, clinical targeting by drugs or use as a biomarker is not yet established[4][5].

Other names

Zinc finger protein 38ZFP38ZNF38Zfp-38DKFZp434L134NY-REN-21Zipro1Renal carcinoma antigen NY-REN-21Zfp38zinc finger protein 38 homologzinc finger protein NY-REN-21 antigenKOX 25CTfin51RU49