Target intelligence / Profile preview

Zinc finger protein 217 (ZNF217)

Target: ZNF217
Molecular classification: Transcription factor, C2H2-type zinc finger protein, Member of Kruppel-like zinc finger family, Epigenetic modifier (as part of chromatin-modifying complexes)

Overview

Zinc finger protein 217 (ZNF217) is a human protein encoded by the ZNF217 gene located at chromosome 20q13, functioning primarily as a transcription factor with eight C2H2-type zinc finger motifs that enable sequence-specific DNA binding. ZNF217 is part of chromatin modifier complexes, interacting with proteins like LSD1, CoREST, and HDAC, and modulating histone marks and gene expression programs. It acts as both a transcriptional repressor and activator, promoting cell proliferation, antagonizing apoptosis, sustaining oncogenic signaling (e.g., AKT1 phosphorylation), and contributing to cancer progression and chemotherapy resistance. ZNF217 is frequently amplified or mutated in various cancers, including breast, ovarian, and lymphoid malignancies, and is being explored as both a prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target, though no direct clinical drugs exist yet.

Other names: ZNF217ZABC1Zinc finger protein 217

Mechanism of action

As no approved drugs directly target ZNF217, mechanisms of action relate to proposed approaches (e.g., inhibiting ZNF217-driven complexes or downregulating ZNF217 expression to restore normal differentiation or promote apoptosis in cancer cells)

Biological functions

DNA binding (sequence-specific)Transcriptional repression and activation (regulates gene expression)Chromatin modification (as part of histone deacetylase complexes)Regulation of cell proliferationAntagonism of apoptosis (cell death)Promotion of cellular transformation (oncogenic function)Promotion of resistance to cellular senescence

Disease associations

Cancer (notably breast cancer, but also ovarian, lymphoma, and other solid tumors)Cancer progression and metastasisChemotherapy resistancePrognostic biomarker for cancer subtypes

Safety considerations

Targeting transcription factors and chromatin modifiers like ZNF217 can have widespread effects on gene expression, raising concerns about potential off-target or pleiotropic effects.Challenges in developing specific inhibitors due to protein-DNA and protein-protein interface complexity.Normal tissue role in development and differentiation adds risk for unintended toxicity

Interacting drugs

No approved drugs directly target ZNF217; its role is mainly as an oncogenic protein and biomarker. It is considered a potential future therapeutic target, but no direct small molecule or biologic agents have been clinically validated for ZNF217

Biomarkers

ZNF217 mRNA and protein levels (prognostic in breast cancer, especially luminal-A subtype)Amplification or mutations of the ZNF217 gene in tumors (prognostic marker in breast, ovarian, and lymphoma cancers)

Beyond the preview

Go deeper on Zinc finger protein 217 (ZNF217).

Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.

Drug pipeline

Explore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.

Drug candidates
Developers
Development stage

Clinical trials

Follow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.

Trial design
Status
Readouts

Competitive landscape

Compare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.

Programs
Modalities
Indications

Literature & evidence

Investigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.

Publications
Sources
Analysis

Patents

Explore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.

Patents
Assignees
Technologies

Research & analysis

Connect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.

Biology
Development news
Analysis

Bring the full picture into focus.

See how Gosset can support your research on Zinc finger protein 217 (ZNF217).

Explore the full profile