Dynein light chain LC8-type 2 (DYNLL2)

Dynein light chain LC8-type 2 (DYNLL2) is a highly conserved, small protein that functions as a versatile hub protein within the cytoplasmic dynein complex and other multiprotein assemblies[1][2][5]. As a non-catalytic accessory component, DYNLL2 binds reversibly to short linear motifs in diverse partner proteins, promoting dimerization, stabilizing complex structure, and organizing motor protein complexes tied to intracellular cargo transport[1][2][5]. In neurons, DYNLL2 helps stabilize postsynaptic assemblies and regulate NMDA receptor signaling, while also modulating apoptosis via interaction with Bcl-2 family proteins[1]. DYNLL2 is active in specialized structures like cilia, centrosomes, and synapses, and is critical for retrograde trafficking, proper cytoskeletal arrangement, and potentially immune modulation in host-pathogen interactions[1][5]. Although it has not been a major focus as a direct therapeutic drug target, altered DYNLL2 expression has been linked to prognosis in certain cancers, and its centrality in cellular homeostasis highlights its importance in health and disease[1][5].

Other names

Dynein light chain 2, cytoplasmicDLC2DLC8bMGC17810Dlc2DNCL1BRSPH228 kDa dynein light chain bradial spoke 22 homolog (Chlamydomonas)DYL2