Zinc Finger Protein 451 (ZNF451)

ZNF451, as a novel nuclear protein that can be associated with promyelocytic leukemia bodies. Interaction of ZNF451 with PIAS1 (protein inhibitor of activated STAT 1) is not manifested as PIAS1's E3 SUMO ligase activity towards ZNF451 but results in disintegration of ZNF451 nuclear domains and recruitment of ZNF451 to androgen receptor (AR) speckles. ZNF451 interacts weakly, but in a SUMO-1-enhanced fashion, with AR. ZNF451 does not harbor an intrinsic transcription activation function, but interestingly, ablation of endogenous ZNF451 in prostate cancer cells significantly decreases expression of several AR target genes. ZNF451 exerts its effects via SUMO modification machinery and trafficking of transcription regulators between promyelocytic leukemia bodies and nucleoplasm.