Zinc finger protein 91 (ZNF91)

Zinc finger protein 91 (ZNF91) is a human transcription factor belonging to the zinc finger protein family, specifically of the KRAB (Kruppel-associated box) subfamily. It functions as a transcriptional repressor and plays an important role in gene regulation, notably in silencing transposable elements such as SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposons by binding to their DNA sequences and recruiting chromatin-modifying complexes. Zinc finger protein 91 is a nuclear transcription factor encoded at chromosome 19 (region 23,304,991-23,395,501, reverse strand). It contains multiple zinc finger domains—structural motifs that bind DNA and enable the protein to regulate gene expression. ZNF91 is a member of the KRAB domain family, enabling it to recruit transcriptional co-repressor complexes such as TRIM28/KAP1 and establish specific gene silencing, particularly of SVA retrotransposons. In addition to retrotransposon silencing, ZNF91 may regulate the expression of promoters such as FCGR2B, although supporting evidence remains incomplete. Mutations or dysregulation of ZNF91 and other zinc finger proteins have been linked to cancer biology (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) and neurodevelopmental disorders. As is typical for transcription factors, it exerts pleiotropic control over cell processes, and its role in disease may reflect broader zinc finger protein functions, including cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and stem cell maintenance. No drugs currently target ZNF91 directly, but molecules that modulate transcription factor activity or chromatin interactions could theoretically influence its function. Direct manipulation of ZNF91 must consider potential safety concerns due to its fundamental role in genome regulation.

Other names

HPF7HTF10ZNF91Zinc finger protein HPF7Zinc finger protein HTF10

Drug mechanisms would hypothetically include inhibition of transcriptional repression or modulation of chromatin state at ZNF91 binding sites