Anterior gradient protein 2 homolog (AGR2) (AGR2)

Anterior gradient protein 2 homolog (AGR2) is a member of the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family, primarily localized in the endoplasmic reticulum where it assists in protein folding and quality control (UniProt P54792). In various cancers, AGR2 is overexpressed and secreted into the extracellular space (eAGR2), where it functions as a potent proto-oncogene by promoting cell proliferation, migration, and survival (PubMed: 25114318). Extracellular AGR2 interacts with cell surface receptors like EGFR and EpCAM to activate oncogenic signaling pathways, contributing to tumor progression and metastasis (PubMed: 22431513). Because of its specific upregulation and secretion by malignant cells, eAGR2 is considered a promising therapeutic target and a diagnostic biomarker (PubMed: 26824319). Therapeutic strategies currently focus on monoclonal antibodies, such as 18A4, designed to neutralize extracellular AGR2, thereby inhibiting its pro-tumorigenic signaling without disrupting essential intracellular functions (PubMed: 26824319).

Other names

AG2GOB-4HAG-2Protein disulfide isomerase family A member 17PDIA17hAG-2

Neutralization of extracellular AGR2 to inhibit oncogenic signaling and disrupt protein-protein interactions with cell surface receptors like EGFR (PubMed: 26824319).