Zinc finger matrin-type protein 1 (ZMAT1)

Zinc finger matrin-type protein 1 (ZMAT1) is a nuclear protein belonging to the C2H2-type zinc finger family, which are canonical transcription factors involved in DNA binding and gene regulation[2]. ZMAT1’s biological role has been only recently explored, with compelling evidence supporting a function in tumor suppression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Its activity inhibits cell proliferation and migration by upregulating the p21 gene and modulating the cell cycle, largely through an indirect effect on the p53 signaling pathway via transcriptional activation of SIRT3, which acts upstream of p53[2]. Lower ZMAT1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in PDAC, suggesting that loss of ZMAT1 contributes to tumor progression[2]. No current drugs specifically target ZMAT1, and it is not classified as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter, but rather as a transcription factor with emerging significance in cancer biology[2]. Key points: - **Transcription factor** with DNA-binding zinc finger domains (C2H2-type) - **Tumor suppressor** in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via the SIRT3-p53-p21 pathway - **Not a direct therapeutic target**; no approved drugs or targeted agents identified - **Prognostic biomarker potential** in PDAC due to expression–survival correlation[2]

Other names

ZMAT1KIAA1789zinc finger matrin-type protein 1