LZTFL1 is located on chromosome 3p21.3, a region known for its high density of tumor suppressor genes . The gene encodes a protein that contains a leucine zipper domain, which is a common motif involved in protein-protein interactions. The leucine zipper domain allows LZTFL1 to form dimers and interact with other proteins, facilitating its role in various cellular processes .
LZTFL1 is primarily localized in the cytoplasm and cilia of cells . It plays a crucial role in several cellular functions, including:
Recent studies have highlighted the role of LZTFL1 in intracellular transport and protein trafficking. For instance, LZTFL1 has been shown to bind to adaptor protein complexes AP-1 and AP-2, which are involved in the trafficking of the transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) . Knockout studies in mice have demonstrated that the absence of LZTFL1 leads to abnormal distribution of these adaptor proteins, further underscoring its role in cellular transport mechanisms .