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Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Direct Protein Delivery to Mammalian Cells Using Cell-permeable Cys2-His2 Zinc-finger Domains
Published on: March 25, 2015
Iron-Sulfur Clusters in Zinc Finger Proteins
Geoffrey D Shimberg1, Jordan D Pritts1, Sarah L J Michel1
1School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States.
This study details methods for isolating and characterizing the zinc finger protein, cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor 30 (CPSF3O). We investigate its metal-binding properties and RNA interactions, revealing insights into alternative metal cofactors.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Proteomics
Background:
- Zinc finger (ZF) proteins utilize zinc as a structural cofactor, typically with cysteine or histidine residues.
- Genome sequencing led to broad annotation of ZF proteins, but experimental characterization revealed some utilize iron-sulfur clusters instead of or alongside zinc.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe methods for isolating and characterizing a specific ZF protein, cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor 30 (CPSF3O).
- To investigate the metal-loading and RNA-binding activities of CPSF3O.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of the CPSF3O protein.
- Characterization of metal-binding capabilities.
- Assessment of RNA-binding activity.
Main Results:
- Successful isolation and characterization of CPSF3O.
- Detailed analysis of its metal-binding properties.
- Evaluation of its functional RNA-binding activity.
Conclusions:
- CPSF3O can be isolated and characterized using the described methods.
- The study provides insights into the metal-loading and RNA-binding functions of this specific zinc finger protein, highlighting the diversity of cofactor usage in ZFs.
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