Zinc-finger protein

Zinc-finger proteins are a type of protein that contain zinc ions, which are bound to the protein in a unique manner. These proteins are found in many organisms, including humans, and play a crucial role in various biological processes such as DNA binding, RNA packaging, transcriptional activation, regulation of apoptosis, protein folding and assembly, and lipid binding.

Structure

Zinc-finger proteins are characterized by the presence of one or more zinc fingers, which are structural motifs stabilized by the coordination of a zinc ion. The zinc ion is typically coordinated by cysteine and histidine residues, although other residues can also participate in zinc coordination.

Function

Zinc-finger proteins are involved in a wide range of biological processes. They can bind to DNA, RNA, proteins, and small molecules, and can act as transcription factors, regulating the expression of genes. Some zinc-finger proteins can also bind to lipids, playing a role in cell membrane structure and function.

Types

There are several types of zinc-finger proteins, including C2H2, C3HC4 (RING), and C4 zinc fingers. Each type has a different structure and function, and is involved in different biological processes.

Clinical significance

Mutations in zinc-finger proteins can lead to various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and developmental disorders. For example, mutations in the zinc-finger protein ZFP36 have been associated with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome.

See also

• Zinc finger nuclease
• Zinc finger domain
• Zinc finger CCCH-type antiviral protein 1

References

Zinc-finger protein Resources
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