Zinc finger protein X-linked (ZFX)

Zinc finger protein X-linked (ZFX) is a highly conserved transcription factor encoded by the ZFX gene on the X chromosome. It belongs to the C2H2-type zinc finger protein family, containing 13 zinc finger domains, a transcriptional activation domain, and a nuclear localization sequence[1][4][6]. ZFX is essential for the self-renewal and maintenance of embryonic and hematopoietic stem cells but is dispensable for the differentiation or proliferation of their progeny[1][4]. It functions primarily as a transcriptional regulator, controlling the expression of genes related to cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis[6]. Aberrant overexpression of ZFX has been observed across a broad spectrum of human cancers, where it correlates with tumor aggressiveness, advanced clinical stage, and poor prognosis. ZFX is also implicated in X-linked neurodevelopmental disorders and syndromic intellectual disabilities. Despite its clear role in oncogenesis, there are no currently known drugs that specifically target ZFX directly. However, ZFX is considered a promising biomarker and molecular target for diagnosis, prognosis, and future therapeutic development in oncology and stem cell-related disorders[4][6].

Other names

ZFXZinc finger X-chromosomal proteinZinc finger protein, X-linkedKruppel-like zinc finger protein X-linked

Modulation of gene transcription (by influencing transcriptional activation/repression of target genes implicated in cancer and stem cell biology)