NEU3

NEU2

NEU2 is a gene that encodes the enzyme sialidase-2, which is involved in the catabolism of sialic acids. Sialic acids are a family of nine-carbon sugars that are typically found at the terminal position of glycan chains on the surfaces of cells and soluble proteins. The NEU2 gene is located on chromosome 2 in humans and plays a crucial role in cellular processes such as cell signaling, pathogen recognition, and the modulation of immune responses.

Function

The primary function of the NEU2-encoded enzyme, sialidase-2, is to remove sialic acid residues from glycoproteins and glycolipids. This desialylation process is important for the regulation of various biological processes, including:

• Cellular Communication: By altering the sialylation status of cell surface molecules, NEU2 can influence cell-cell interactions and signal transduction pathways.
• Pathogen Interaction: Many pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, exploit sialic acids to attach to host cells. NEU2 activity can modulate these interactions, potentially affecting infection outcomes.
• Immune Response: Sialic acids are involved in "self" recognition by the immune system. NEU2-mediated desialylation can alter immune cell recognition and response.

Structure

The NEU2 gene encodes a protein that belongs to the glycoside hydrolase family 33. The enzyme is characterized by its ability to cleave the glycosidic linkages of sialic acids. The structure of sialidase-2 includes several key domains that facilitate its enzymatic activity:

• Catalytic Domain: Responsible for the hydrolysis of sialic acid residues.
• Substrate Binding Site: Ensures specificity for sialylated substrates.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in NEU2 expression or activity have been implicated in various diseases:

• Cancer: Changes in sialylation patterns are a hallmark of cancer cells. NEU2 may play a role in tumor progression and metastasis by modifying cell surface sialylation.
• Neurological Disorders: Abnormal sialidase activity has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases, where altered sialic acid metabolism affects neuronal function.
• Infectious Diseases: NEU2 activity can influence the susceptibility and severity of infections by modulating pathogen-host interactions.

Research and Therapeutic Potential

Research into NEU2 and its enzyme product, sialidase-2, is ongoing to better understand its role in health and disease. Potential therapeutic applications include:

• Cancer Therapy: Targeting NEU2 to alter tumor cell sialylation and inhibit metastasis.
• Antiviral Strategies: Modulating NEU2 activity to prevent viral entry and replication.

Also see

• Sialic acid
• Glycosylation
• Glycoprotein
• Enzyme
• Chromosome 2 (human)