Abelson tyrosine kinase 2 (ABL2)

Abelson tyrosine kinase 2 (ABL2), also known as ARG (Abelson-related gene), is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that belongs to the ABL family of proteins [UniProt: P42684]. It is closely related to ABL1 and plays a critical role in regulating the actin cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and migration through its interaction with various signaling molecules and actin filaments [PubMed: 25644377]. ABL2 is particularly important in the development and maintenance of the nervous system, where it influences neurite outgrowth and synapse formation [NCBI Gene: 27]. In the context of disease, ABL2 is implicated in several types of cancer, including leukemias where it can form oncogenic fusion proteins like ETV6-ABL2, and solid tumors where its overexpression promotes metastasis [PubMed: 21814288]. Many small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) originally developed for ABL1, such as imatinib and dasatinib, also potently inhibit ABL2, making it a relevant target in oncology and potentially other therapeutic areas [PubMed: 17401011].

Other names

ARGAbelson-related geneTyrosine-protein kinase ARGAbelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 2ABL proto-oncogene 2, non-receptor tyrosine kinase

Tyrosine kinase inhibition by competing with ATP for the binding site of the kinase domain [PubMed: 17401011].