Zinc finger protein 804A (ZNF804A)

Zinc finger protein 804A is a DNA-binding protein encoded by the ZNF804A gene on human chromosome 2q32.1. It contains a canonical C2H2-type zinc finger domain near its N-terminus, which enables it to interact with DNA and potentially regulate gene expression as a transcription factor[1][3][5]. ZNF804A is highly expressed in the brain, particularly during neurodevelopment, and is enriched in neurites and dendritic spines where it plays key roles in neuronal differentiation, migration, neurite outgrowth, and the regulation of synapse formation and dendritic spine maintenance[2][3][4]. Genome-wide association studies have robustly linked variation in this gene to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and related psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions, indicating its critical, dosage-sensitive role in brain development and function[2][3][4]. The detailed molecular mechanisms by which ZNF804A impacts disease risk include influencing the expression of other genes involved in dopaminergic neurotransmission (such as DRD2 and COMT) and cell adhesion; however, ZNF804A itself has not yet been established as a direct therapeutic target, and no drugs currently modulate its activity[2][3].

Other names

ZNF804AC2orf10zinc finger protein 804A

Not applicable; no drugs currently known to modulate ZNF804A directly.