Zinc finger protein 24 (ZNF24)

Zinc finger protein 24 (ZNF24) is a SCAN domain–containing Kruppel-like transcription factor characterized by four C2H2-type zinc finger motifs conferring DNA-binding capability and a SCAN domain facilitating protein dimerization. ZNF24 is expressed in embryonic and adult tissues and regulates diverse biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and invasion, and is essential for normal embryonic development and angiogenesis. Functionally, ZNF24 exerts context-dependent effects in cancer: it promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis in prostate cancer, suppresses metastasis in gastric cancer, and acts as an inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis in breast and colon cancers by repressing VEGF transcription. The dual roles in cancer underscore its potential as a therapeutic target and biomarker, though also highlight challenges in specificity and safety. No approved drugs specifically target ZNF24, and its systemic biological importance raises potential concerns for broad inhibition or activation strategies.

Other names

ZNF24TRZNFTRAC007998.3ZNF191KOX17Zfp191

No clinically validated or research-grade drugs with a described mechanism targeting ZNF24; most studies focus on gene/protein overexpression or knockdown.