Zcchc2, the zinc-finger protein, is involved in multiple biological functions. It plays a role in regulating mRNA stability and translation, and is associated with processes such as tumorigenesis and immune-related pathways [1,2,3]. Genetic models can be crucial for studying its functions and impacts on various biological processes.

In the context of virus-host interactions, Zcchc2 was identified as a critical host factor for K5, an element conserved in kobuviruses. Zcchc2 recruits the terminal nucleotidyl transferase TENT4 to elongate poly(A) tails with mixed sequences, delaying deadenylation, thus enhancing mRNA stability and translation [1]. In retinoblastoma, knockout of Zcchc2 promoted retinoblastoma cell proliferation, while its overexpression had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, Zcchc2 inhibits the interaction of the E3 ubiquitin ligase HectH9 with c-Myc, negatively regulating the K63-linked polyubiquitination and activation of c-Myc, suggesting its role in regulating RB tumorigenesis [2].

In summary, Zcchc2 has important functions in regulating mRNA stability and translation, and in tumorigenesis. Gene knockout studies in the context of retinoblastoma have revealed its role as a negative regulator of c-Myc-associated tumorigenesis. These findings contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying certain diseases and potentially offer new perspectives for disease treatment and prevention.

References:

1. Seo, Jenny J, Jung, Soo-Jin, Yang, Jihye, Choi, Da-Eun, Kim, V Narry. 2023. Functional viromic screens uncover regulatory RNA elements. In Cell, 186, 3291-3306.e21. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2023.06.007. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37413987/

2. Dai, Hanjun, Yan, Ming, Li, Ying. 2019. The zinc-finger protein ZCCHC2 suppresses retinoblastoma tumorigenesis by inhibiting HectH9-mediated K63-linked polyubiquitination and activation of c-Myc. In Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 521, 533-538. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.10.163. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31677785/

3. Wang, Xiying, Ran, Xueqin, Niu, Xi, Li, Sheng, Wang, Jiafu. 2022. Whole-genome sequence analysis reveals selection signatures for important economic traits in Xiang pigs. In Scientific reports, 12, 11823. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-14686-w. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35821031/