Zinc finger protein transcription factor

Zinc finger protein transcription factor is a type of protein that uses a zinc finger domain to interact with DNA. These proteins function as transcription factors, which are crucial for the regulation of gene expression within the cell.

Structure

Zinc finger protein transcription factors are characterized by the presence of zinc finger domains. These domains are typically composed of a zinc ion surrounded by cysteine and histidine residues. The zinc ion stabilizes the structure of the domain, allowing it to interact with the major groove of DNA.

Function

Zinc finger protein transcription factors bind to specific DNA sequences in the promoter regions of genes. This binding can either activate or repress the transcription of the associated gene, depending on the specific protein and its context within the cell.

Types

There are several types of zinc finger protein transcription factors, including C2H2 zinc finger proteins, C4 zinc finger proteins, and C6 zinc finger proteins. Each type is defined by the arrangement of cysteine and histidine residues in its zinc finger domain.

Role in Disease

Mutations in zinc finger protein transcription factors can lead to a variety of diseases. For example, mutations in the Zinc Finger Protein GLI3 are associated with Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome, while mutations in the Zinc Finger Protein ZEB2 are associated with Mowat-Wilson syndrome.

See Also

• Transcription (genetics)
• Zinc finger nuclease
• Zinc finger domain