High Mobility Group AT-Hook 2 (HMGA2) is a small, non-histone chromosomal protein that plays a crucial role in various biological processes. It belongs to the High Mobility Group (HMG) family, which includes HMGA1a, HMGA1b, HMGA1c, and HMGA2 . HMGA2 is encoded by the HMGA2 gene and is known for its ability to bind to the minor groove of AT-rich DNA sequences through its three “AT-hook” DNA-binding motifs .
HMGA2 consists of three “AT-hook” DNA-binding motifs and a negatively charged C-terminal motif . These motifs allow HMGA2 to bind to AT-rich regions of DNA, inducing DNA bending and facilitating the formation of higher-order chromatin structures . This binding is crucial for the regulation of gene expression and chromatin remodeling.
HMGA2 is a multifunctional nuclear protein that is directly linked to several physiological and pathological processes, including:
Due to its involvement in critical biological processes, HMGA2 has been studied extensively for its potential therapeutic applications. It is considered a promising target for developing drugs to treat obesity and cancer . Efforts are ongoing to identify inhibitors that can specifically target HMGA2 and modulate its activity .