NCK2 Human
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Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
NCK Adaptor Protein 2, also known as NCK2 or Grb4, is a member of the NCK family of adaptor proteins. These proteins play a crucial role in cellular signaling by linking receptor tyrosine kinases to downstream signaling pathways. NCK2 is characterized by its structure, which includes three SH3 (Src Homology 3) domains and one SH2 (Src Homology 2) domain .
NCK2 is a non-catalytic protein, meaning it does not have enzymatic activity. Instead, it functions by binding to other proteins through its SH2 and SH3 domains. The SH2 domain typically binds to phosphorylated tyrosine residues on receptor tyrosine kinases or other signaling proteins, while the SH3 domains interact with proline-rich sequences on downstream effector proteins .
NCK2 is involved in various cellular processes, including actin cytoskeleton reorganization, cell migration, and immune cell activation. It achieves this by acting as a scaffold that brings together different signaling molecules, facilitating the formation of multi-protein complexes that drive specific cellular responses .
NCK2 is ubiquitously expressed in human tissues, indicating its fundamental role in cellular function. It has been shown to participate in the signaling pathways of several growth factor receptors, such as PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor) and EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor). Additionally, NCK2 is involved in the immune response, particularly in T cell receptor signaling, where it helps organize the actin cytoskeleton and form the immunological synapse .
The human NCK2 gene is located on chromosome 2q12. It shares a high degree of similarity with its paralog, NCK1, with which it is partially functionally redundant. Despite this redundancy, NCK2 has unique roles in certain cellular contexts, such as the exclusive regulation of actin polymerization in response to specific growth factors .
Given its central role in various signaling pathways, NCK2 is a subject of interest in biomedical research. Understanding its function and regulation can provide insights into the mechanisms of diseases such as cancer, where signaling pathways are often dysregulated. Additionally, targeting NCK2 or its interactions with other proteins could offer new therapeutic strategies for treating such diseases .
