Anterior gradient protein 2 homolog (AGR2)

Anterior gradient protein 2 homolog (AGR2) is an endoplasmic reticulum-resident enzyme of the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family, primarily expressed in mucin-secreting epithelial cells[1][2][3][5][6]. AGR2 facilitates the proper folding and assembly of secretory proteins, especially mucins such as MUC2, via its thioredoxin-like CXXS motif, directly forming mixed disulfide bonds essential for mucin maturation and secretion[2][3]. It plays critical roles in maintaining ER homeostasis, protein quality control, and the epithelial barrier, and is necessary for goblet cell differentiation[1][3][6]. Aberrant AGR2 expression is associated with several cancers, where it can promote tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapy[3][5]. AGR2 is involved both intracellularly (regulating proteostasis) and extracellularly (acting as a paracrine/autocrine factor in the tumor microenvironment), making it a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker as well as a promising but challenging therapeutic target in oncology and inflammatory diseases[3][5][6].

Other names

AG2AG-2hAG-2XAG-2HAG-2UNQ515/PRO1030PDIA17HPC8Secreted cement gland protein XAG-2 homologProtein disulfide isomerase family A, member 17GOB-4HEL-S-116RIFTDEpididymis secretory protein Li 116

Inhibitors: in development, may block disulfide isomerase activity or dimerization, reducing mucin processing or tumor cell viability[3][6]. Antibodies: under investigation, block extracellular AGR2 function in cancer signaling and metastasis[3].