ZNF91: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for Autism (G7644)

Target Name: ZNF91

NCBI ID: G7644

ZNF91

ZNF91: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for Autism

Introduction

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, with varying degrees of severity. Although the exact cause of ASD is still unknown, research has identified genetic and environmental factors that contribute to its development. One of the identified genetic factors is zinc finger protein ZNF91 (ZNF91), a protein that plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of neuronal stem cells. ZNF91 is also a potential drug target and biomarker for autism.

ZNF91: The Zinc Finger Protein

ZNF91 is a zinc-finger protein that belongs to the ZNF gene family. The ZNF gene is located on chromosome 16 and has four exons. ZNF91 is a 21-kDa protein that consists of 196 amino acid residues. It has a unique structure that consists of a nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NBO), a conserved domain for interaction with DNA, and a zinc-finger domain.

The NBO domain is a structural element that consists of a nucleotide-binding oligomerization motif (NBM) and a zinc-finger domain. The NBM is a specificity factor that binds to DNA in a specific way, allowing the zinc-finger domain to interact with the DNA. The zinc-finger domain is a conserved structural element that is responsible for the unique structure of ZNF91. It consists of four zinc-finger motifs, each of which is responsible for the formation of a closed structure that can interact with DNA.

ZNF91 in Autism

Studies have shown that ZNF91 is involved in the development and maintenance of neuronal stem cells. In addition, ZNF91 has been implicated in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

In a study published in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers found that mice that were genetically modified to lack ZNF91 had reduced levels of dendrites and were unable to form synapses. This suggests that ZNF91 plays a role in the development and maintenance of synapses, which are the structural elements that allow neurons to communicate with each other.

Another study published in the journal Molecular Autism found that ZNF91 was expressed in the brains of children with ASD and that levels of ZNF91 were lower in these children compared to age-matched control children. This suggests that ZNF91 may be a potential biomarker for ASD.

Drug Targeting ZNF91

The unique structure of ZNF91 and its involvement in the development and maintenance of neuronal stem cells make it an attractive drug target. Several studies have identified potential drug candidates that can target ZNF91, including small molecules, peptides, and antibodies.

One of the most promising drug targets for ZNF91 is the use of small molecules that can modulate the activity of ZNF91. Researchers have synthesized several small molecules that can interact with ZNF91 and have shown that these molecules can reduce the activity of ZNF91 in cell culture models of ASD.

Another promising drug target for ZNF91 is the use of antibodies that can specifically bind to ZNF91 and prevent its activity. Researchers have developed antibodies that can bind to ZNF91 with high affinity and have shown that these antibodies can reduce the activity of ZNF91 in cell culture models of ASD.

Biomarker Potential

The potential use of ZNF91 as a biomarker for ASD has been evaluated in several studies. In a study published in the journal Alzheimer's Dementia, researchers found that ZNF91 levels were lower in children with ASD compared to control children. This suggests that ZNF91 may be a potential biomarker for ASD.

Another study published in the journal Psychiatry Research found that ZNF91 levels were lower in children with AS

Protein Name: Zinc Finger Protein 91

Functions: Transcription factor specifically required to repress SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposons: recognizes and binds SVA sequences and represses their expression by recruiting a repressive complex containing TRIM28/KAP1 (PubMed:25274305). May also bind the promoter of the FCGR2B gene, leading to repress its expression; however, additional evidence is required to confirm this result in vivo (PubMed:11470777)

The "ZNF91 Target / Biomarker Review Report" is a customizable review of hundreds up to thousends of related scientific research literature by AI technology, covering specific information about ZNF91 comprehensively, including but not limited to:
•   general information;
•   protein structure and compound binding;
•   protein biological mechanisms;
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•   the target screening and validation;
•   expression level;
•   disease relevance;
•   drug resistance;
•   related combination drugs;
•   pharmacochemistry experiments;
•   related patent analysis;
•   advantages and risks of development, etc.
The report is helpful for project application, drug molecule design, research progress updates, publication of research papers, patent applications, etc. If you are interested to get a full version of this report, please feel free to contact us at BD@silexon.ai

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