ZFHX3 (Gene)

This gene encodes a transcription factor with multiple homeodomains and zinc finger motifs, and regulates myogenic and neuronal differentiation. The encoded protein suppresses expression of the alpha-fetoprotein gene by binding to an AT-rich enhancer motif. The protein has also been shown to negatively regulate c-Myb, and transactivate the cell cycle inhibitor cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (also known as p21CIP1). This gene is reported to function as a tumor suppressor in several cancers, and sequence variants of this gene are also associated with atrial fibrillation. Multiple transcript variants expressed from alternate promoters and encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2009]