Abl interactor 2 (ABI2)

Abl interactor 2 (ABI2) is an adaptor protein involved in regulating the actin cytoskeleton, cell motility, and adhesion[1][5]. ABI2 functions as a component of the WAVE complex, which activates the Arp2/3 machinery to drive lamellipodia formation, playing a key role in actin polymerization downstream of Rac and c-Abl signaling[1][4][5]. ABI2 contains an SH3 domain and proline-rich regions that allow it to interact with the c-Abl tyrosine kinase and other partners, serving as both a regulator and substrate of these kinases[2][6]. ABI2 also contributes to dendritic spine morphogenesis and proper assembly of adherens junctions, being essential for normal cell migration, cell adhesion, developmental morphogenesis, and neuronal plasticity[1][4][5]. Loss or downregulation of ABI2 has been linked to tumorigenesis, defective cell migration, impaired neuronal function, and some forms of muscular dystrophy[1][3][4]. While ABI2 is not a direct therapeutic target or receptor, its function as a cytoskeletal regulatory adaptor and its proposed tumor suppressor role make it biologically significant in the context of cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders[1][2][3][4].

Other names

Abelson interactor 2Abi-2ABI2BARGBP1ARGBPIAARGBPIBABLBP3SSH3BP2AIP-1Abl-binding protein 3Arg-binding protein 1argBP1abl-interacting protein 1arg protein tyrosine kinase-binding protein