Zinc fingers and homeoboxes protein 2 (ZHX2)

Zinc fingers and homeoboxes protein 2 (ZHX2) is a nuclear transcription factor characterized by two C2H2-type zinc finger motifs and four homeodomains, encoded by the *ZHX2* gene located on human chromosome 8q24.13[2][3][7]. ZHX2 acts predominantly as a transcriptional repressor but can function contextually as a transcriptional activator, forming homo- and heterodimers with other ZHX family members (ZHX1, ZHX3) and interacting with nuclear factor NF-YA[2][3][5]. It regulates numerous genes involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, lipid metabolism, and immunity[2][7]. ZHX2 is implicated in both disease suppression (e.g., as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma via repression of alpha-fetoprotein and oncogenic pathways) and disease promotion (e.g., as an oncogene in clear cell renal cell carcinoma and triple-negative breast cancer)[2][3][7]. It is also linked to immune homeostasis, macrophage function, and various kidney diseases, particularly those affecting podocyte integrity[1][2][8]. Its diverse contextual roles in disease make ZHX2 a subject of significant interest for therapeutic targeting and biomarker development, although to date no specific drugs targeting ZHX2 are described in the public literature[2][7][8].

Other names

ZHX2AFR1KIAA0854RAFAFP regulator 1Alpha-fetoprotein regulator 1Regulator of AFPZinc finger and homeodomain protein 2Transcription factor ZHX2

Modulation of gene expression at the transcriptional level (as transcription factor) Inhibition or activation of downstream oncogenic or tumor suppressor pathways (context-dependent)