Zinc finger DBF-type containing protein 2 (ZDBF2)

Zinc finger DBF-type containing protein 2 (ZDBF2) is an imprinted, paternally expressed gene that encodes a zinc finger protein with a DBF4-type domain[4][2][3]. The gene demonstrates preferential expression in the brain, especially in hypothalamic neurons and the pituitary gland, where it may influence neuroendocrine function and postnatal growth[2][3]. ZDBF2 has no established function as a receptor, enzyme, or drug target and is not classified as a canonical therapeutic target[1][4]. It instead appears to play a specific role in epigenetic regulation and growth adaptation immediately post-birth, where its absence results in reduced feeding, undernutrition, and growth defects in mouse models[2][3]. Its only clearly identified structural domain is a C2H2-type zinc finger; no other functional motifs or domains are present[2][3]. Human mutations or abnormalities in ZDBF2 may be associated with growth-related disorders such as Temple syndrome or nasopalpebral lipoma-coloboma syndrome[4]. There are no reported drugs targeting this gene, and it is not currently used as a clinical biomarker or associated with clear safety concerns in the therapeutic context[4][1].

Other names

DBF4-type zinc finger-containing protein 2KIAA1571FLJ45338Slx9