The LSM2 gene is located on chromosome 6 in humans and is also known by several aliases, including C6orf28, G7B, and YBL026W . The protein encoded by LSM2 contains the Sm sequence motif, which consists of two regions separated by a linker of variable length that folds as a loop . This structure is crucial for its function in RNA binding and processing.
LSM2 is a component of the U4/U6-U5 tri-snRNP complex, which is involved in spliceosome assembly . The spliceosome is a complex molecular machine responsible for removing introns from pre-mRNA, a critical step in mRNA maturation. LSM2, along with other LSm proteins, forms a stable heteromer that binds specifically to the 3’-terminal oligo(U) tract of U6 snRNA . This binding is essential for the formation of the U4/U6 duplex, which is a prerequisite for the assembly of the spliceosome .
Additionally, LSM2 is involved in mRNA degradation pathways, including deadenylation-dependent mRNA decay . This process is vital for regulating mRNA stability and, consequently, gene expression.
The proper functioning of LSM2 is crucial for cellular RNA metabolism. Dysregulation of LSM2 and its associated pathways can lead to various diseases. For instance, LSM2 has been implicated in mixed connective tissue disease and cat-scratch disease . Moreover, its role in RNA splicing and degradation makes it a potential target for therapeutic interventions in diseases where RNA processing is disrupted.
Human recombinant LSM2 is used in various research applications to study its function and interactions. By expressing and purifying recombinant LSM2, researchers can investigate its role in RNA metabolism and its potential as a therapeutic target. Studies have shown that LSM2 interacts with other proteins such as DDX20, LSM3, LSM7, and LSM8, highlighting its involvement in complex RNA processing networks .