PERSPECTIVES ON ZINC-FINGER PROTEIN FUNCTION AND EVOLUTION - AN UPDATE

Complexity is one of the hallmarks that applies to C2H2 type zinc fing er proteins (ZFPs). Structurally distinct clusters of zinc finger modu les define an extremely large superfamily of nucleic acid binding prot eins with several hundred, perhaps thousands of different members in v ertebrates. Recent discoveries have provided new insights into the bio chemistry of RNA and DNA recognition, into ZFP evolution and genomic o rganization, and also into basic aspects of their biological function. However, as much as we have learned, other fundamental questions abou t ZFP function remain highly enigmatic. This essay is meant to define what we personally fed are important questions, rather than trying to provide a comprehensive, encyclopaedic review.