DNA-binding protein inhibitor ID-2 (ID2)

DNA-binding protein inhibitor ID-2 (ID2) is a member of the ID family of helix-loop-helix transcriptional regulators that lack a basic DNA binding domain. ID2 acts as a dominant-negative inhibitor, preventing basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors from binding DNA and regulating gene expression. By inhibiting differentiation, promoting cell proliferation, and maintaining stem cell characteristics, ID2 plays a crucial regulatory role in embryonic development, hematopoiesis, and neuronal growth. Aberrant expression of ID2 is implicated in several cancers (glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, Ewing sarcoma) and hematologic disorders, and it has emerged as a potential therapeutic target. Drugs such as homoharringtonine can downregulate ID2, providing novel strategies for cancer treatment. ID2 also has distinct molecular roles in neuronal microtubule stability by promoting α-tubulin acetylation, relevant to the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases.

Other names

Inhibitor of DNA binding protein 2Inhibitor of Differentiation 2ID2DNA-binding protein inhibitor ID-2

Inhibition of protein translation (homoharringtonine reduces ID2 protein levels, impairing tumor growth) - Negative regulation of bHLH transcription factor function via heterodimerization - Maintenance of HIF-1α stability by blocking its ubiquitination and degradation (affecting HSC fate)