Zc3h3, a zinc-finger protein, has multiple essential functions. It is involved in the m6A RNA modification as a methyltransferase, an epigenetic modification prevalent in eukaryotic RNAs that impacts RNA stability, function, and thus gene expression and various biological processes. It is also critical for the Poly(A) Tail eXosome Targeting (PAXT)-mediated nuclear RNA decay, which is important for the turnover of nuclear polyadenylated (pA+) RNA [1,2].

In terms of disease-related findings, hypermethylated DMRs and increased transcriptional levels of ZC3H3 were observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), suggesting its potential role in the development of fibrosis and HCC, and making it a potential therapeutic target and diagnostic tool [3]. In adenocarcinoma at the gastroesophageal junction, ZC3H3 was selected, along with other genes, to construct a prognostic model; high-risk patients based on this model had significantly worse overall survival [4].

In conclusion, Zc3h3 plays crucial roles in m6A RNA modification and nuclear RNA decay. Its dysregulation is associated with diseases like HCC and adenocarcinoma at the gastroesophageal junction. Studies on Zc3h3, potentially including gene knockout models in the future, can further clarify its functions and contribute to understanding disease mechanisms and developing treatment strategies.