ZNF865

ZNF865 (also referred to as BLST [2-4]) is a C2H2 member of the zinc finger family of proteins. Structurally, ZNF865 consists of 20 different zinc finger domains, 6 disordered regions, 2 transactivation domains, and 2 TGEKP domains. Diseases associated with ZNF865 expression include Parkinson’s disease, esophageal cancer, and musculoskeletal diseases. Lack of expression of ZNF865 has been associated with increased incidence of Parkinson’s disease, worse outcome measures in esophageal cancer, and increased incidence of musculoskeletal diseases.

Broadly, ZNF865 is expressed across all human cell and tissue types. Bioinformatics analysis predicts ZNF865 to be localized to the nucleus, and function in metal ion binding, DNA-binding transcription factor activity, interact with RNA polymerase II, and regulate transcription by RNA polymerase II. Experimental data displays ZNF865 is a regulator of cellular senescence, cell cycle progression, DNA replication, DNA repair, and protein processing. Lack of expression of ZNF865 induces cellular senescence, indicating that ZNF865 expression is necessary for healthy cell function. While increased expression of ZNF865 results in a shift in the cell cycle, increased rates of DNA replication and proliferation rates. Overall, ZNF865 has been confirmed as a regulator of cellular senescence, cell cycle progression, and DNA replication.