Disease relevance of Zfp354a

• We have identified a new putative transcription factor from the rat kidney, termed Kid-1 (for kidney, ischemia and developmentally regulated gene 1) [1].
• Kid-1 mRNA levels are also reduced in rodent renal cell carcinomas, another condition characterized by epithelial cell dedifferentiation and increased proliferation [2].

High impact information on Zfp354a

• Kid-1 belongs to the C2H2 class of zinc finger genes [1].
• The low expression of Kid-1 early in postnatal development, and when renal tissue is recovering after injury, suggests that the gene product is involved in establishment of a differentiated phenotype and/or regulation of the proliferative response [1].
• Kid-1 mRNA levels decline after renal injury secondary to ischemia or folic acid administration, two insults which result in epithelial cell dedifferentiation, followed by regenerative hyperplasia and differentiation [1].
• The full-length Kid-1 protein is targeted to the nucleolus and adheres tightly to as yet undefined nucleolar structures, leading eventually to the disintegration of the nucleolus [3].
• The rat Kid-1 gene codes for a 66-kDa protein with KRAB domains at the NH2 terminus and two Cys2His2-zinc finger clusters of four and nine zinc fingers at the COOH terminus [3].

Biological context of Zfp354a

• Using a combination of linkage analysis and somatic cell hybrid analysis, Kid-1 was mapped to rat chromosome (RNO) 10 [4].
• The Kid-1 gene is composed of four exons and three introns, closely reflecting the organization of the Kid-1 protein [4].

Anatomical context of Zfp354a

• During nephron development, the Kid-1 protein appears after the S-shaped body stage concomitantly with the brush-border enzyme alkaline phosphatase [2].

Other interactions of Zfp354a

• In two animal models of polycystic kidney disease, the expression of Kid-1 is downregulated [2].

References