ZMYND gene family

Genes in the ZMYND family provide instructions for making proteins known as MYND-type zinc finger proteins. This family is a subset of a much larger group of zinc finger proteins, which are involved in many cellular functions.

Zinc finger proteins contain one or more short regions called zinc finger domains. These regions include a specific pattern of protein building blocks (amino acids) and one or more charged atoms of zinc (zinc ions). Specifically, the MYND domain consists of an amino acid cluster of seven cysteines and one histidine that fold around two zinc ions. This configuration stabilizes the protein and allows it to attach (bind) to other molecules.

Little is known about the function of MYND-type zinc finger proteins. Unlike many other zinc finger proteins, proteins in this family do not appear to bind to DNA. Instead, studies suggest that they help regulate interactions between other proteins. Proteins that partner with MYND-type zinc finger proteins help regulate gene activity and play important roles in normal development.

The MYND domain was named based on the first three proteins that were found to contain this region: myeloid translocation protein 8, Nervy, and DEAF-1. There are now more than 80 proteins known to contain the MYND domain.