Zinc finger protein 768 (ZNF768)

Zinc finger protein 768 (ZNF768) is a conserved C2H2-type zinc finger transcription factor that plays a critical role in the regulation of cell proliferation, cell fate decisions, and transcriptional networks in mammals[1][2][3][4][5]. ZNF768 is unique among human proteins for its N-terminal heptad-repeat structure, similar to the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II, suggesting a specialized transcription regulatory function[5]. It binds sequence-specific DNA, especially mammalian-wide interspersed repeats (MIRs), and predominantly localizes to the nucleus where it regulates the expression of genes involved in cell division and survival[1][3][5]. ZNF768 overexpression supports cell proliferation and represses senescence, acting downstream of oncogenic signaling (such as RAS, via MAPK and PI3K/mTOR pathways)[2][5]. It physically interacts with and inhibits the tumor suppressor p53, allowing cells to bypass cellular senescence and promote tumorigenesis, particularly in lung adenocarcinoma[1][2]. Elevated ZNF768 levels are frequently observed in tumors, and its depletion provokes strong antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activities. Beyond its role in cancer biology, ZNF768 may serve as a tumor-associated antigen, eliciting autoantibody responses in cancer patients and offering potential in cancer diagnostics[3].

Other names

ZNF768FLJ23436zinc finger protein 768