Zinc finger protein 521 (ZNF521)

Zinc finger protein 521 (ZNF521) is a large transcription factor characterized by 30 Kruppel-like C2H2 zinc finger motifs and an N-terminal repressor domain, encoded by the ZNF521 gene on chromosome 18q11.2[1][2][4]. ZNF521 acts as a critical cofactor and transcriptional regulator in the maintenance and differentiation of hematopoietic, neural, and mesenchymal stem cells[1][2][3]. It modulates gene expression by interacting with key developmental regulators, such as EBF1, GATA-1, RUNX2, SIAH2, and components of the NuRD chromatin-remodeling complex, thereby influencing fate decisions in B-cell, erythroid, adipocyte, osteoblast, and chondrocyte lineages[1][2][3][4]. ZNF521 is highly expressed in early hematopoietic progenitors and is upregulated in several cancers, most notably in subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia with MLL-rearrangements, certain B-cell lymphomas, and cerebellar medulloblastoma (SHH subtype)[2][3][4]. Its overexpression can block differentiation and support malignant transformation, while depletion promotes terminal differentiation and reduces leukemic potential. No approved drugs currently target ZNF521 directly, but its level of expression serves as a pathobiological and potentially therapeutic biomarker in select cancers[2][3][4].

Other names

EHZFEvi3Zfp521LIP3LYST-interacting protein 3Early hematopoietic zinc finger proteinearly hematopoietic zinc fingerzinc finger protein 521

Not applicable/none established (ZNF521 is a transcriptional regulator, and no drugs are known to directly target it in clinical settings)