A Novel Role for the ZNF16 Protein in rRNA Transcription

Abstract

The zinc finger protein 16 (ZNF16) has been reported to be involved in megakaryocytic and erythroid differentiation of pluripotent K562 leukemia cells. Analysis of the role of ZNF16 in these cells identified functions in cell cycle regulation and c‐KIT transcription. However, ZNF16 has ubiquitous expression in multiple tissues, thus suggesting that it might have additional functions. We explored potential roles for ZNF16 using a battery of assays to test for localization, roles in cell cycle, apoptosis and DNA repair, among others. Endogenous ZNF16 localizes to the nucleus and is enriched in the nucleolus. Interestingly, exogenous ZNF16 showed two patterns of localization depending on the tag used. ZNF16 tagged with a single EGFP (Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein) showed nuclear localization while ZNF16 tagged with three EGFPs was mainly localized to the nucleoli and other subnuclear structures. Based on its nucleolar localization, we explored potential roles for ZNF16 in nucleolar structure, response to nucleolar stress, rRNA transcription, DNA damage, and DNA repair. Preliminary results hint at a role for ZNF16 in rRNA transcription. These results reveal a novel role for ZNF16 in basic cellular processes, consistent with its ubiquitous expression in human tissues. Further characterization at the cellular and molecular level will offer insight on the function of this poorly characterized gene.Support or Funding InformationUTEP‐URI program; BD Biosciences Cancer Research Grant; Murdock Foundation and Gonzaga Start‐up funds.