Dystrophin-related protein 2 (DRP2)

Dystrophin-related protein 2 (DRP2) is a cytoskeletal-associated protein most closely related to dystrophin and utrophin, encoded by a gene on chromosome Xq22. DRP2 is expressed principally in the human brain and spinal cord and plays a role in maintaining membrane-associated protein complexes at sites of intercellular contact, particularly within the nervous system[3][4][7]. DRP2 is required for normal myelination and organization of the cytoplasm as well as Cajal band formation in myelinating Schwann cells[4]. Its structure resembles certain short isoforms of dystrophin; it is implicated in proper localization of proteins at the Schwann cell plasma membrane and in possible membrane-cytoskeleton interactions in the central nervous system[4]. Disorders associated with DRP2 dysfunction include spinal muscular atrophy type I and mitochondrial complex IV deficiency (nuclear type 1)[4]. Unlike classical drug targets, DRP2 is not known to function as a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or channel, and there are currently no drugs directly targeting DRP2 nor established use as a clinical biomarker or therapeutic target.

Other names

DRP2DRP-2Dystrophin related protein 2Dystrophin-related protein 2