ZNF117 | ENSG00000152926 | NCBI 51351

Details for: ZNF117

Gene ID: 51351

Gene Type: Protein-coding - A gene that serves as a template for producing a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule, which is then translated into a functional protein.

Symbol: ZNF117

Ensembl ID: ENSG00000152926

Description: zinc finger protein 117

Cell Significance Landscape

Display Count:

Associated with

Dna-binding transcription factor activity
(GO:0003700)
Dna-binding transcription factor activity, rna polymerase ii-specific
(GO:0000981)
Nucleus
(GO:0005634)
Regulation of dna-templated transcription
(GO:0006355)
Regulation of transcription by rna polymerase ii
(GO:0006357)
Rna polymerase ii cis-regulatory region sequence-specific dna binding
(GO:0000978)
Zinc ion binding
(GO:0008270)

Significant Cells

Cell Significance Index (CSI) scores for the chosen context(s)

adipocyte CL0000136

CSI 15.5

rCSI 19.9%

PRS 87.16
progenitor cell CL0011026

CSI 8.44

rCSI 17.95%

PRS 88.19
fallopian tube secretory epithelial cell CL4030006

CSI 4.4

rCSI 4.23%

PRS 92.59
epithelial cell of lower respiratory tract CL0002632

CSI 3.59

rCSI 2.78%

PRS 95.55
neural crest cell CL0011012

CSI 3.32

rCSI 2.62%

PRS 88.68
kidney loop of Henle thin ascending limb epithelial cell CL1001107

CSI 3.2

rCSI 8.28%

PRS 92.09
peripheral nervous system neuron CL2000032

CSI 3.18

rCSI 4.34%

PRS 88.64
interneuron CL0000099

CSI 3.1

rCSI 6.23%

PRS 89.38
pro-B cell CL0000826

CSI 2.86

rCSI 2.36%

PRS 94.54
hematopoietic precursor cell CL0008001

CSI 2.84

rCSI 2.92%

PRS 97.15
epithelial cell of lung CL0000082

CSI 2.73

rCSI 2.27%

PRS 94.78
differentiation-committed oligodendrocyte precursor CL4023059

CSI 2.61

rCSI 4.74%

PRS 88.95
renal beta-intercalated cell CL0002201

CSI 2.6

rCSI 6.19%

PRS 94.31
hepatic stellate cell CL0000632

CSI 2.56

rCSI 9.58%

PRS 90.91
blood vessel endothelial cell CL0000071

CSI 2.5

rCSI 5.19%

PRS 92.39
ciliated epithelial cell CL0000067

CSI 2.46

rCSI 2.16%

PRS 86.77
kidney connecting tubule epithelial cell CL1000768

CSI 2.39

rCSI 6.05%

PRS 89.82
kidney interstitial alternatively activated macrophage CL1000695

CSI 2.37

rCSI 6.17%

PRS 95.22
epicardial adipocyte CL1000309

CSI 2.28

rCSI 7.4%

PRS 91.52
alveolar adventitial fibroblast CL4028006

CSI 2.21

rCSI 3.48%

PRS 94.65
CD14-low, CD16-positive monocyte CL0002396

CSI 2.14

rCSI 1.65%

PRS 96.14
caudal ganglionic eminence derived cortical interneuron CL4023064

CSI 2.14

rCSI 3.78%

PRS 83.66
endothelial cell of pericentral hepatic sinusoid CL0019022

CSI 1.95

rCSI 6%

PRS 94.81
squamous epithelial cell CL0000076

CSI 1.93

rCSI 4.59%

PRS 90.71
cerebral cortex GABAergic interneuron CL0010011

CSI 1.93

rCSI 5.7%

PRS 93.39
astrocyte of the cerebral cortex CL0002605

CSI 1.67

rCSI 3.75%

PRS 84.43
neural progenitor cell CL0011020

CSI 1.21

rCSI 5.33%

PRS 84.72
megakaryocyte CL0000556

CSI 1.12

rCSI 4.88%

PRS 93.97
retinal ganglion cell CL0000740

CSI 0.91

rCSI 2.02%

PRS 85.74
GABAergic neuron CL0000617

CSI 0.9

rCSI 3.01%

PRS 82.98
blood vessel smooth muscle cell CL0019018

CSI 0.59

rCSI 4.83%

PRS 92.42

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this specific cell.

Network Configuration

Explore relationships of the current gene. Select an Interaction Source: 'ONTOLOGY' for shared pathways (GO/Reactome) or 'STRING' for protein-protein interactions. Further refine by selecting context genes and comparing Cell Significance Index (CSI) scores between baseline and target cell types and their specific contexts.

Context Genes (max 20):

Interaction Source:

Pathway Categories (for ONTOLOGY source):

Baseline Cell Type:

Baseline Cell Context(s): Comma-separated if multiple.

Target Cell Type:

Target Cell Context(s): Comma-separated if multiple.

Legend:

Query Gene
Node Color (Target Cell CSI, relative to current network):
- Very High
- High
- Medium
- Low
- Very Low
- CSI N/A
Node Size: Proportional to Target Cell CSI magnitude
STRING PPI Edge
Shared Pathway Edge (ONTOLOGY)

Loading network (please wait)...

Other Information

This section provides additional information about the gene, including a description generated by an AI language model and details about associated proteins.

Description

## Summary [ZNF117](/details-gene/51351) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 7q11.21 that encodes for Zinc Finger Protein 117. Functional annotations strongly indicate its role as a DNA-binding transcription factor that operates within the nucleus to regulate transcription. Expression data highlights its particularly significant role in [adipocytes](/details-cell/CL0000136), where it shows an exceptionally high cell significance index. It also demonstrates notable expression across a wide range of cell types, including various [progenitor cells](/details-cell/CL0011026), epithelial cells, and neurons, suggesting a broad but context-specific regulatory function in cellular differentiation and maintenance. ## Cellular Roles and Expression Landscape The expression profile of [ZNF117](/details-gene/51351) reveals a diverse but distinct cellular landscape. **Overall**, its most significant expression is observed in [adipocytes](/details-cell/CL0000136) (CSI: 15.50), where its high significance suggests it may be a critical regulator of adipocyte identity or function. Beyond adipocytes, [ZNF117](/details-gene/51351) shows a recurring pattern of significance in various precursor and progenitor cell populations. This includes a high CSI in generalized [progenitor cells](/details-cell/CL0011026) (CSI: 8.44) as well as more specialized precursors such as [neural crest cells](/details-cell/CL0011012), [pro-B cells](/details-cell/CL0000826), [hematopoietic precursor cells](/details-cell/CL0008001), and [differentiation-committed oligodendrocyte precursors](/details-cell/CL4023059). This consistent association with developmental intermediates suggests a potential role in maintaining stemness or guiding early lineage commitment across multiple developmental axes. The gene is also significantly expressed in several specialized epithelial and endothelial cell types. These include [fallopian tube secretory epithelial cells](/details-cell/CL4030006), [epithelial cells of the lower respiratory tract](/details-cell/CL0002632), [kidney loop of Henle thin ascending limb epithelial cells](/details-cell/CL1001107), and [blood vessel endothelial cells](/details-cell/CL0000071). This broad expression pattern points to a fundamental role in regulating transcriptional programs that are essential for the function of diverse differentiated cell types. ## Pathways and Molecular Function Consistent with its identity as a zinc finger protein, the molecular functions of [ZNF117](/details-gene/51351) are centered on transcriptional regulation. Gene Ontology annotations confirm that it is located in the [nucleus](/details-cell/GO:0005634) and possesses [dna-binding transcription factor activity](/details-cell/GO:0003700), specifically binding to cis-regulatory regions to control transcription by RNA polymerase II ([GO:0000978](https://www.ebi.ac.uk/QuickGO/term/GO:0000978), [GO:0006357](https://www.ebi.ac.uk/QuickGO/term/GO:0006357)). It is also involved in the broader biological process of [regulation of dna-templated transcription](/details-cell/GO:0006355). Its function is dependent on [zinc ion binding](/details-cell/GO:0008270), which is characteristic of the C2H2-type zinc finger domains it contains. This molecular machinery allows [ZNF117](/details-gene/51351) to act as a regulator, likely orchestrating the specific gene expression programs required for the diverse cell types in which it is prominently expressed, such as adipocytes and various progenitor cells. ## Research Directions The available data points to [ZNF117](/details-gene/51351) as a key transcriptional regulator with highly specific cellular roles, particularly in adipocytes and progenitor cells. This provides a foundation for several testable hypotheses. **Proposed Hypotheses:** 1. Given its exceptionally high CSI in [adipocytes](/details-cell/CL0000136), [ZNF117](/details-gene/51351) is a master regulator of adipogenesis, controlling the terminal differentiation of pre-adipocytes into mature, lipid-storing adipocytes. 2. The consistent expression of [ZNF117](/details-gene/51351) across multiple, distinct progenitor populations ([hematopoietic](/details-cell/CL0008001), [neural](/details-cell/CL4023059), etc.) suggests it functions as a general gatekeeper of differentiation, maintaining cells in an undifferentiated state or controlling the initial steps of lineage commitment. **Experimental Approach:** To test the hypothesis that [ZNF117](/details-gene/51351) is a master regulator of adipogenesis (Hypothesis 1), a loss-of-function study could be performed. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or pre-adipocyte cell lines could be transduced with a CRISPR-Cas9 system to knock out [ZNF117](/details-gene/51351). Control and knockout cells would then be subjected to a standard adipogenic differentiation cocktail. The impact of the knockout could be assessed by measuring key endpoints such as: - **Transcriptomic analysis (RNA-seq):** To identify changes in the expression of key adipogenic transcription factors (e.g., *PPARG*, *CEBPA*) and markers of mature adipocytes. - **Functional assays:** Quantifying lipid accumulation using Oil Red O staining and measuring the secretion of adipokines like adiponectin and leptin via ELISA. A failure of knockout cells to differentiate or a significantly impaired adipogenic phenotype would provide strong evidence for its critical role in this process. **Therapeutic Potential:** As a nuclear DNA-binding transcription factor, [ZNF117](/details-gene/51351) is a challenging direct target for small-molecule inhibitors. However, if it is validated as a key driver of adipogenesis, it could represent an important node in the regulatory network of metabolic health and disease. In conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes, where excess or dysfunctional adipose tissue is a key pathological feature, modulating the activity of [ZNF117](/details-gene/51351) or its downstream targets could be a viable therapeutic strategy. Inhibition, rather than activation, would likely be the goal to limit the formation or expansion of adipose tissue.

Disclaimer: This in-silico analysis is generated by an AI language model and may contain inaccuracies or hallucinations. However, it is cross-referenced with curated gene expression data from major biological sources. Please verify the information before use.