Ataxin-2-like protein (ATXN2L)

Ataxin-2-like protein (ATXN2L) is a paralog of ataxin-2 (ATXN2), sharing domain architecture including a Like-Sm (LSm) RNA-binding domain and a poly(A)-binding protein (PABP)-interacting motif[6]. ATXN2L, like ATXN2, interacts with the RNA helicase DDX6, PABP, and with ataxin-2 itself, reflecting a functional overlap especially in the regulation of cytoplasmic RNA granules[6]. ATXN2L is a component of stress granules—sites of mRNA triage during cellular stress—and its expression level directly affects both stress granule and processing body dynamics; overexpression induces stress granules, while depletion reduces their formation[6]. Although the biological functions of ATXN2L are less well understood than those of ataxin-2, it plays roles in mRNA regulation, response to stress, and possibly in regulating protein translation and turnover during conditions that challenge cellular homeostasis[6]. Unlike ataxin-2, ATXN2L has no established direct role in major neurodegenerative diseases or as a drug target.

Other names

Ataxin-2-like proteinATXN2LA2DA2LGA2LPA2RPataxin-2-related proteinataxin-2 domain protein