Zinc finger matrin-type protein 3 (ZMAT3)

Zinc finger matrin-type protein 3 (ZMAT3, also called WIG-1) is a nuclear RNA-binding transcription factor containing three zinc finger domains[1][3]. It is a direct transcriptional target of the tumor suppressor p53 and is upregulated by wild-type p53 as part of the p53-dependent cellular stress response[1][4]. ZMAT3 functions in post-transcriptional regulation by binding double-stranded RNA motifs or AU-rich elements, stabilizing key mRNAs such as p53, and regulating the splicing of a broad range of transcripts[1][2]. It acts as a tumor suppressor by reinforcing p53 activity through effects on target mRNAs like FAS, p21, MDM2, and MDM4, and by driving alternative splicing events that oppose oncogenic pathways[1][2]. ZMAT3 is involved in cell cycle arrest, growth regulation, and differentiation. Altered expression or mutations are implicated in tumorigenesis and may contribute to disease progression in certain cancers and neurodegenerative conditions like Huntington’s disease[1][2][3]. Currently, there are no approved drugs that directly target ZMAT3, but PRMT5 inhibitors and splicing modulators may functionally influence related p53-dependent pathways for anticancer therapy[2].

Other names

WIG-1WIG1PAG608p53-activated gene 608 proteinzinc finger protein WIG-1zinc finger protein WIG1zinc finger matrin-type protein 3MGC10613FLJ12296

Not a direct drug target; proposed mechanisms for therapy involve mimicking ZMAT3 function (e.g., PRMT5 inhibition to induce p53 activation through MDM4 splicing changes)[2]