Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 2

Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 2 (ENT2) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC29A2 gene. ENT2 is a member of the equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT) family, which plays a critical role in the physiological and pharmacological functions of nucleosides and nucleobases.

Function

ENT2 is an integral membrane protein that facilitates the transport of nucleosides, as well as the nucleoside analogs that are used in the treatment of cancer and viral diseases, across cell membranes. ENT2 operates in a bidirectional manner, allowing nucleosides and their analogs to move across the cell membrane in both directions, depending on their concentration gradients.

Structure

The SLC29A2 gene that encodes ENT2 is located on the long arm of chromosome 11 (11q13.1). The protein is composed of 456 amino acids and has a predicted molecular weight of approximately 50 kDa. It has 11 transmembrane domains and an intracellular N-terminus.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the function or expression of ENT2 can have significant clinical implications. For example, ENT2 is overexpressed in certain types of cancer, which can lead to increased uptake of nucleoside analog drugs and enhanced sensitivity to these agents. Conversely, reduced ENT2 expression can result in drug resistance.

See also

• Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1
• Concentrative nucleoside transporter
• Nucleoside transporters

External links

• NCBI Gene
• UniProt