RRM2

RRM2 or Ribonucleotide Reductase Regulatory Subunit M2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the RRM2 gene. It is a subunit of ribonucleotide reductase, which is responsible for the conversion of ribonucleotides into deoxyribonucleotides, a critical process in DNA synthesis and DNA repair mechanisms.

Function

The RRM2 protein is a small subunit of the ribonucleotide reductase enzyme. This enzyme catalyzes the formation of deoxyribonucleotides from ribonucleotides, a key step in the synthesis of DNA. The RRM2 subunit provides the necessary reducing equivalents for the reaction. This subunit is tightly regulated in the cell cycle and its activity is essential for cell proliferation.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the RRM2 gene have been associated with various forms of cancer. Overexpression of RRM2 has been observed in several types of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. This overexpression is thought to contribute to the uncontrolled cell proliferation characteristic of cancer. In addition, RRM2 has been implicated in resistance to certain chemotherapy drugs, making it a potential target for cancer therapy.

See Also

• Ribonucleotide reductase
• DNA synthesis
• Cell proliferation
• Cancer therapy