Zinc finger CCCH-type containing 12A (ZC3H12A)

Zinc finger CCCH-type containing 12A, most commonly known as Regnase-1 or MCPIP-1 (gene: ZC3H12A), is a CCCH-type zinc finger protein that functions as an endoribonuclease and plays a crucial role in the post-transcriptional regulation of inflammatory responses[1][2][5]. It degrades specific mRNAs (notably those encoding inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-12b) by recognizing stem-loop structures in their 3’ untranslated regions, thereby preventing excessive or chronic inflammation[1]. The activity of Regnase-1 is tightly regulated by post-translational modifications, cytoplasmic-nuclear shuttling, and interaction with regulatory proteins such as 14-3-3 and βTRCP, which control its activity and stability[1]. Mice deficient in Zc3h12a exhibit heightened inflammatory responses and autoimmunity, underscoring its significance as a negative regulator of immune activation[1]. While ZC3H12A is clearly implicated in the control of inflammation and immune homeostasis and is an attractive therapeutic target, there are currently no approved drugs that directly target this protein[1][5].

Other names

Regnase-1MCPIP-1Mcpip1