NHP2 Ribonucleoprotein Homolog Human Recombinant
NHP2 non-histone chromosome protein 2-like Human Recombinant
NHP2, also known as NHP2 ribonucleoprotein, is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 5. It is a core component of the H/ACA small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein (snoRNP) complex, which catalyzes the pseudouridylation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA). This modification involves the isomerization of uridine, where the ribose is attached to C5 instead of the normal N1 . NHP2 is also known by several aliases, including DKCB2, NHP2P, and NOLA2 .
Key Biological Properties: NHP2 is essential for ribosome biogenesis and telomere maintenance. It is involved in the correct processing and intranuclear trafficking of TERC, the RNA component of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) holoenzyme .
Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: NHP2 is ubiquitously expressed in various tissues, with nucleolar expression in most cell types . It is particularly abundant in tissues with high rates of cell division and protein synthesis, such as the bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract .
Primary Biological Functions: NHP2 plays a critical role in ribosome biogenesis by participating in the pseudouridylation of rRNA, which stabilizes the conformation of rRNAs . It is also involved in telomere maintenance, ensuring the proper functioning of telomerase .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: While NHP2’s primary functions are related to ribosome biogenesis and telomere maintenance, it may also play a role in immune responses by participating in the processing of rRNA, which is crucial for the production of ribosomes and, consequently, protein synthesis .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: NHP2 interacts with other components of the H/ACA snoRNP complex, including Dyskerin, NOP10, and GAR1 . These interactions are essential for the pseudouridylation of rRNA and the maintenance of telomeres .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: NHP2 binds to snoRNAs and other proteins within the H/ACA snoRNP complex to facilitate the pseudouridylation of rRNA . This process is crucial for the stability and function of ribosomes .
Regulatory Mechanisms Controlling Expression and Activity: The expression and activity of NHP2 are tightly regulated at both the transcriptional and post-translational levels . Transcriptional regulation involves various transcription factors that bind to the promoter region of the NHP2 gene . Post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination, also play a role in regulating NHP2 activity and stability .
Biomedical Research: NHP2 is a valuable target in biomedical research due to its essential roles in ribosome biogenesis and telomere maintenance . Studies on NHP2 can provide insights into the mechanisms of ribosomal RNA processing and telomere biology .
Diagnostic Tools and Therapeutic Strategies: NHP2 can be used as a biomarker for certain diseases, such as dyskeratosis congenita, which is associated with mutations in the NHP2 gene . Therapeutic strategies targeting NHP2 and its interactions within the H/ACA snoRNP complex may offer potential treatments for diseases related to ribosome biogenesis and telomere maintenance .
Role Throughout the Life Cycle: NHP2 plays a critical role throughout the life cycle, from development to aging and disease . During development, NHP2 is essential for the rapid cell division and protein synthesis required for growth . In aging, NHP2’s role in telomere maintenance becomes increasingly important, as telomere shortening is associated with cellular senescence and age-related diseases . Mutations in NHP2 can lead to premature aging syndromes and other disorders .