Background:
Zinc-finger proteins contain DNA-binding domains and have a wide variety of functions, most of which encompass some form of transcriptional activation or repression. ZNF281, also known as GC-box-binding zinc finger protein 1, ZBP-99 or ZNP-99 (zinc finger DNA-binding protein 99), is a zinc finger protein that belongs to the Krüppel C2H2-type zinc finger protein family. It is expressed ubiquitously at low levels with predominant expression in kidney, liver, lymphocytes and placenta. ZNF281 localizes to the nucleus and contains four C2H2-type zinc fingers. ZNF281 plays a role in repressing the transcription of a variety of genes including Gastrin and ODC (ornithine decarboxylase). In particular, ZNF281 functions by binding to the G-rich box in the enhancer region of the gene. Upon DNA damage, ZNF281 may become phosphorylated by Atm or ATR.