MAZ

The protein encoded by MAZ gene is MYC-associated zinc finger protein, commonly aliased as ZNF87 or MYCBPZ. As a C2H2-type zinc finger transcription factor, it binds to GC-rich DNA motifs via its zinc finger domains, regulating target genes like MYC. It modulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription initiation.
MAZ participates in MYC signaling and cell cycle pathways. Dysregulated MAZ expression links to lung and colorectal cancers, driving tumor growth by upregulating MYC. Preclinical research explores small-molecule inhibitors and RNA interference to target its oncogenic functions, though no clinical trials have been launched yet.