NME2 is a homodimeric enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of phosphate groups from nucleoside triphosphates to nucleoside diphosphates. This reaction is essential for maintaining the balance of nucleoside triphosphates within the cell. The protein is composed of 152 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 17 kDa.
The primary function of NME2 is to regulate the levels of nucleoside triphosphates, which are necessary for DNA and RNA synthesis. Additionally, NME2 has been implicated in various cellular processes, including:
NME2 has been studied extensively in the context of cancer. It is known to act as a metastasis suppressor, meaning it helps prevent the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body. In various cancer types, including lung, breast, and colorectal cancers, reduced expression of NME2 has been associated with increased metastatic potential and poor prognosis.
Research has shown that NME2 can inhibit the migration and invasion of cancer cells by modulating the activity of various signaling pathways. For example, NME2 has been found to interact with proteins involved in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is crucial for cell proliferation and migration.
The recombinant form of NME2 from rats is widely used in research to study its biochemical properties and biological functions. Some of the key applications include: