Prohibitin 2 is encoded by the PHB2 gene and is composed of 299 amino acids. The recombinant form of this protein, often tagged with a His-tag at the N-terminus, is typically expressed in E. coli for research purposes . The predicted molecular mass of recombinant Prohibitin 2 is approximately 35.7 kDa .
Transcriptional Regulation: Prohibitin 2 acts as a mediator of transcriptional repression by nuclear hormone receptors. It recruits histone deacetylases, which are enzymes that remove acetyl groups from histones, leading to a more compact and transcriptionally repressive chromatin structure . It functions as an estrogen receptor (ER)-selective coregulator, enhancing the inhibitory activities of antiestrogens and repressing the activity of estrogens .
Mitochondrial Function: Prohibitin 2 is involved in regulating mitochondrial respiration activity. It forms a complex with Prohibitin 1 (PHB1) within the mitochondria, which is essential for maintaining mitochondrial integrity and function . This complex is believed to play a role in the stabilization of mitochondrial proteins and the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics.
Cellular Aging: Prohibitin 2 has been implicated in the aging process. Its role in mitochondrial function and transcriptional regulation suggests that it may influence cellular senescence and longevity .
Recombinant Prohibitin 2 is primarily used in research to study its various functions and interactions. It is often utilized in Western Blot (WB) or imaging assays due to its denatured form . Researchers use this protein to investigate its role in transcriptional repression, mitochondrial function, and its potential implications in diseases related to aging and mitochondrial dysfunction.