BEN domain-containing protein 2 (BEND2)

BEN domain-containing protein 2 (BEND2) is a member of the BEN domain protein family, characterized by two C-terminal BEN domains involved in protein–DNA and protein–protein interactions that influence chromatin organization and transcriptional repression[1][2]. BEND2 is highly specific to spermatogenic cells in mice, where it governs the transition from zygonema to pachynema during meiosis, facilitating proper synapsis and double-strand break repair; knockout results in male infertility with disrupted meiosis[1][2]. BEND2 interacts with chromatin-associated proteins, including transcriptional repressor complexes such as NuRD and ChAHP, and modulates histone modifications (notably H3K4me3) and chromatin accessibility, acting as a transcriptional suppressor at specific genomic regions[1]. In females, BEND2 influences ovarian reserve establishment; its loss decreases the ovarian follicle pool and impairs oogenesis[2]. In the context of human disease, BEND2 is implicated as an oncogenic partner in gene fusions (e.g., EWSR1–BEND2, MN1–BEND2, MAMLD1–BEND2) found in certain central nervous system and soft tissue neoplasms, including astroblastoma-like tumors[3]. There are no current reports of drugs targeting BEND2, nor established uses as a biomarker or noted safety concerns from modulating its function.

Other names

BEN domain containing 2CXorf20MGC33653BEN domain-containing protein 2BEND2