Double-stranded RNA-binding protein Staufen homolog 2 (STAU2)

Double-stranded RNA-binding protein Staufen homolog 2 (STAU2) is an RNA-binding protein characterized by the presence of multiple double-stranded RNA binding domains (dsRBDs). It is part of mRNA localization particles and required for the microtubule-dependent transport of neuronal RNA from the cell body to dendrites, playing a critical role in the formation, maintenance, and function of dendritic spines in hippocampal neurons. STAU2 is predominantly expressed in the brain and the heart, and regulates mRNA transport and stability, as well as dendritic cytoskeletal organization. Transport activity is mediated through ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes that shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm. STAU2 is also implicated as a dependency factor in HIV-1 replication, enhancing viral RNA export and infectivity when incorporated into virions. Disease-relevant functions are linked primarily to neurodevelopment and viral infection, although no direct therapeutic drugs or biomarkers currently reference STAU2, and it is not considered a classical drug target.

Other names

Staufen homolog 2STAU2Double-stranded RNA-binding protein Staufen homolog 239K239K3

Not applicable; no drugs known to act on STAU2