Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Zinc Finger Protein 161 (ZFP161) is a key regulator of Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) signaling, playing a crucial role in maintaining genomic stability. Human ZFP161 activates c-MYC , whereas its murine ortholog, ZF5, serves as a putative transcriptional repressor of c-MYC . In this study, we identified ZFP161 as a direct regulator of c-MYC. We show that ZFP161 binds to the promoter region of c-MYC , modulating its expression and downstream signaling pathways. Additionally, ZFP161 promotes cell proliferation and tumorigenesis through c-MYC regulation and contributes to the malignant transformation of non-cancerous retinal pigment epithelial (RPE-1) cells. Furthermore, high ZFP161 expression is associated with poor survival in patients with mixed colon adenocarcinoma. These findings suggest that the regulation of c-MYC by ZFP161 may represent a potential therapeutic target in c-MYC -driven cancers.
Source: Frontiers in Oncology
Authors: Grania Christyani, Chenghui Cai, Yening Feng, Hyorin Lee, Xinyi Tu, Chao Zhang, Zhenkun Lou, Wootae Kim
Institutions: Soonchunhyang University, Hunan University, Mayo Clinic
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Award: G2170714301
OpenAlex ID: W7130432503