Zinc finger protein 426 (ZNF426)

Zinc finger protein 426 (ZNF426) is a KRAB-containing zinc finger transcription factor encoded by the ZNF426 gene in humans[1][2][6]. It functions as a transcriptional repressor that binds to GC-rich DNA sequences using its zinc finger motifs and plays a prominent role in regulating the reactivation of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) from latency[2][4]. ZNF426 specifically interacts with the viral protein RTA (Replication and Transcription Activator) to modulate RTA-mediated KSHV reactivation: it represses the effect of RTA on viral promoters, thereby helping maintain viral latency[1][2][4]. To counteract this repression, KSHV’s RTA promotes the proteasomal degradation of ZNF426, reducing its levels and allowing efficient viral gene activation and replication[1][2]. Variants in the gene produce different isoforms, but all function as transcriptional repressors with DNA-binding activity in the nucleus[5][6]. ZNF426 is not known to be a direct target of any therapeutic drugs, nor is it currently used as a biomarker or associated with specific safety concerns. Its main biological relevance is in the context of viral infection and host-virus interaction, rather than as a traditional therapeutic target such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter[1][2][6].

Other names

ZNF426K-RBPMGC2663CTC-543D15.7KSHV RTA binding protein