ZNF7 Inhibitors

Zinc finger protein 7 (ZNF7), also known as KOX1, is part of the Krüppel-associated box (KRAB) zinc finger protein family. This family is one of the largest groups of transcription factors in mammals and is characterized by the presence of one or more zinc finger domains, which are small, functional, independently folded protein domains stabilized by one or more zinc ions. These domains enable the protein to interact with DNA, RNA, or other proteins.

The defining feature of ZNF7 is its array of C2H2-type zinc fingers. Each zinc finger typically consists of around 30 amino acids and folds into a loop held together by a zinc ion, coordinated by cysteines and histidines. ZNF7 binds to DNA through these zinc finger motifs, and the specific sequence of amino acids within these motifs dictates its binding specificity to certain DNA sequences.Functionally, ZNF7 acts as a transcriptional regulator, meaning it can both activate and repress the transcription of genes. By binding to gene promoters or enhancers, ZNF7 can influence the expression of genes involved in a wide range of cellular processes, including development, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis.