Zinc finger protein 521 (ZNF521/Zfp521): Insights into its structure, function, regulation, and significance to cell differentiation

The zinc finger protein 521 (ZNF521) gene is located on human chromosome 18, specifically in the 18q11.2 region. As a zinc finger DNA-binding protein, ZNF521/Zfp521 acts as a transcription cofactor involved in the regulation of cell differentiation across various cell types, including hematopoietic, neural, and mesenchyme stem cells, B progenitor cells, preadipocytes, and osteoblasts. Its interactions with key proteins such as RUNX2, EBF1, SIAH2, or BMP2 further modulate these processes. In this review, we briefly summarize the current understanding of ZNF521/Zfp521, encompassing its structural, functional, post-translational modification, and cellular signaling pathways, especially its roles in cell differentiation and related diseases. In addition, we explore the process and effects of the interaction between Zfp521 and other proteins and discuss the molecular mechanisms of its roles in adipogenic, osteogenic, chondrogenic, and neural differentiation.