ZBTB21

ZBTB21 (Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 21) is a human gene that encodes a protein belonging to the POZ-ZF family of transcription factors. Members of this family are characterized by a POZ (also known as BTB) domain at the N-terminus and zinc finger motifs at the C-terminus.

The ZBTB21 protein functions as a transcriptional repressor. Its POZ domain mediates homodimerization and heterodimerization with other POZ domain-containing proteins, as well as interactions with corepressor complexes, such as NCoR and SMRT, leading to transcriptional silencing. The zinc finger domains bind to specific DNA sequences, thereby directing the protein to its target genes.

The precise function of ZBTB21 is not fully understood, but it is thought to play a role in neuronal development and differentiation. Studies have linked variations in the ZBTB21 gene to neurodevelopmental disorders, including intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the biological roles of ZBTB21 and its implications for human health.