GRF Type Zinc Finger Domain Containing Protein 1 (ZGRF1)

C4orf21 has been linked with alcohol dependence. This gene shows relatively low expression in most human tissues, with increased expression in situations of chemical dependence. C4orf21 has been previously linked to alcohol dependence. Given this, expression of the gene in the liver and brain are particularly interesting. Upon examination of variable GEO profiles, there were many related to Hepatitis and other disorders of the liver. The best correlative studies were those in relation to liver transplant failure. The link to alcohol dependence provides a strong connection to dependence to other chemical substances such as nicotine through analysis of lymphoblast cells. C4orf21 showed significantly increased expression in those who were nicotine dependent versus a control group of non-smokers.