Old versus new: upstream and downstream of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein

Promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) is a member of the zinc finger protein family and has been extensively studied due to its crucial role in influencing stem cell self-renewal, spermatogenesis, T cell differentiation, tumorigenesis, and development. Its function is regulated by multidimensional and multilevel regulation. Recent studies have explored the mechanism of action of PLZF in different diseases and related treatment strategies. This study aimed to summarize the regulatory mechanisms underlying PLZF expression and function, and update the latest PLZF regulatory targets and interacting molecules. We also summarized the mechanism by which PLZF promoted the transcriptional activation of target genes, besides its role as a transcriptional repressor. This study revealed a more detailed upstream and downstream regulatory mechanism of PLZF, providing directions for future research.