ZIC3 siRNA – Zinc Finger Protein ZIC 3 (Human)

This gene encodes a member of the ZIC family of C2H2-type zinc finger proteins. This nuclear protein probably functions as a transcription factor in early stages of left-right body axis formation. Mutations in this gene cause X-linked visceral heterotaxy, which includes congenital heart disease and left-right axis defects in organs. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

ZIC3: Acts as transcriptional activator. Required in the earliest stages in both axial midline development and left-right (LR) asymmetry specification. Binds to the minimal GLI-consensus sequence 5'-GGGTGGTC-3'. Defects in ZIC3 are the cause of visceral heterotaxy X- linked type 1 (HTX1). A form of visceral heterotaxy, a complex disorder due to disruption of the normal left-right asymmetry of the thoracoabdominal organs. It results in an abnormal arrangement of visceral organs, and a wide variety of congenital defects. Clinical features of visceral heterotaxy X- linked type 1 include dextrocardia, corrected transposition of great arteries, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonic stenosis, situs inversus viscerum, and asplenia and/or polysplenia. Defects in ZIC3 are a cause of VACTERL association X- linked with or without hydrocephalus (VACTERLX). A syndrome characterized by vertebral anomalies, anal atresia, cardiac malformations, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal anomalies (urethral atresia with hydronephrosis), and limb anomalies (hexadactyly, humeral hypoplasia, radial aplasia, and proximally placed thumb). Some patients may have hydrocephalus. Some cases of VACTERL-H are associated with increased chromosome breakage and rearrangement. Belongs to the GLI C2H2-type zinc-finger protein family. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Transcription factor; DNA-binding; C2H2-type zinc finger protein

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: Xq26.2

Cellular Component: nucleoplasm; cytoplasm; nucleus

Molecular Function: protein binding; sequence-specific DNA binding; metal ion binding; transcription factor activity

Biological Process: anterior/posterior pattern formation; transcription, DNA-dependent; somatic stem cell maintenance; positive regulation of transcription, DNA-dependent; positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter; heart looping; determination of left/right symmetry; lung development

Disease: Vacterl Association, X-linked, With Or Without Hydrocephalus; Heterotaxy, Visceral, 1, X-linked