Autophagy related 16 like 2 (ATG16L2)

Autophagy related 16 like 2 (ATG16L2) is a mammalian paralog of ATG16L1, both belonging to the autophagy-related protein family and structurally containing N-terminal ATG12-ATG5 binding domains, a middle coiled-coil domain, and C-terminal WD40 repeats[1][2]. While ATG16L1 is essential for classical autophagosome formation, ATG16L2 is not required for canonical autophagy but may act as a dominant negative regulator of autophagy by interacting with the ATG12-ATG5 complex and ATG16L1 itself, potentially influencing tissue-specific autophagic balance[1][2]. ATG16L2 is ubiquitously expressed in human tissues, with expression levels varying across organs, and is regulated post-transcriptionally by miRNAs such as Mir885-3p[1]. Alterations in ATG16L2 expression, sequence, or methylation have been implicated in cancers (colorectal, gastric, prostate, lung), autoimmune diseases, leukemia therapy response, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurodegenerative disease, but its precise molecular function in autophagy remains unclear and undercharacterized in comparison to ATG16L1[1][2]. There are currently no directly targeted drugs or approved mechanisms of action for therapeutic modulation of ATG16L2, and its role as a biomarker is limited to disease association rather than therapeutic guidance[1].

Other names

ATG16L2autophagy-related protein 16-2autophagy related 16-like protein 2

no direct targeting mechanism described; possible indirect roles as a negative modulator of autophagy