Cleavage stimulation factor subunit 2 (CSTF2)

Cleavage stimulation factor subunit 2 (CSTF2) is a core component of the cleavage stimulation factor (CSTF) complex, which is essential for the 3’ end cleavage and polyadenylation of pre-mRNAs—a critical step in eukaryotic mRNA maturation[1][3][5]. CSTF2 contains an RNA recognition motif (RRM) through which it binds GU-rich elements downstream of the polyadenylation site on pre-mRNAs, helping to define the precise cleavage site and promoting polyadenylation[1][2][3]. By regulating alternative polyadenylation, CSTF2 modulates 3’ UTR length, with biological consequences for mRNA stability, localization, and translatability—influencing gene expression programs critical for cell proliferation and differentiation. CSTF2 is particularly relevant in cancer, where its overexpression is associated with increased use of proximal poly(A) sites (leading to oncogenic transcript isoforms), and has also been associated with specific developmental and neuromuscular disorders[2][3][4]. As a key RNA-binding protein, changes in CSTF2 function or expression disrupt normal mRNA processing, making it both a candidate disease gene and a potential, though currently untargeted, therapeutic target[1][2][3][5].

Other names

CSTF2CstF-64CSTF 64 kDa subunitCF-1 64 kDa subunitcleavage stimulation factor 64 kDa subunitCSTF64XLID113cleavage stimulation factor, 3' pre-RNA, subunit 2, 64kDa

For hypothetical or future drugs: - Inhibition of CSTF2 would be expected to impair 3’ end processing of pre-mRNA, potentially normalizing aberrant alternative polyadenylation patterns or interfering with cancer cell proliferation by affecting mRNA maturation and oncogene regulation[2]. - Modulators of CSTF2 could shift usage of proximal/distal poly(A) sites, altering translation and regulatory profiles of specific genes[2].