Vascular endothelial zinc finger 1

Vascular endothelial zinc finger 1 (VEZF1) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the VEZF1 gene. This protein is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in vascular development and regulation of vascular endothelial cells.

Function

VEZF1 is a zinc finger protein that binds to the promoter region of endothelial cell-specific genes, regulating their expression. It is involved in the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, which is critical for angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, the processes of new blood vessel formation from pre-existing vessels and de novo, respectively.

Structure

The VEZF1 protein contains six C2H2 type zinc fingers, which are common motifs in DNA-binding proteins. These zinc fingers allow the protein to bind to specific DNA sequences, thereby controlling the transcription of certain genes.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the function or expression of VEZF1 have been implicated in various vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cancer. In particular, VEZF1 has been found to be overexpressed in certain types of cancer, where it may promote tumor growth and metastasis by enhancing angiogenesis.

Research

Current research is focused on understanding the precise role of VEZF1 in vascular development and disease, with the aim of developing new therapeutic strategies for vascular diseases and cancer.

File:VEZF1 protein structure.jpg

Structure of the VEZF1 protein. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

See Also

• Zinc finger protein
• Transcription factor
• Vascular endothelial growth factor
• Angiogenesis
• Vasculogenesis

References

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