ELL-associated factor 2 (EAF2)

ELL-associated factor 2 (EAF2) is a nuclear protein that acts as a transcription factor and positive regulator of transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II through direct interaction with the elongation factor ELL[1][2][3]. EAF2 has distinct DNA-binding capacity and modulates gene expression by enhancing elongation rate and regulating transcriptional activation domains, especially through binding with ELL to localize in nuclear speckles and stabilize the transcriptional complex[1][2][3]. EAF2 is reported to be involved in various biological processes, including the induction of apoptosis, suppression of tumorigenesis (notably in prostate tissue), inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin and HIF-1α pathways, and participation in DNA repair through interaction with Ku70/Ku80 in the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair pathway[2]. EAF2 acts as a tumor suppressor, with downregulation linked to cancer progression, particularly in the prostate, and its interaction with various signaling pathways underlines its multifunctional role in cellular homeostasis and disease[2]. To date, there are no approved drugs known to directly modulate EAF2 activity in patients.

Other names

U19Testosterone-regulated apoptosis inducer and tumor suppressor proteinTRAITSBM-040BM040

Mechanistic impact is mainly at the level of positive regulation of transcription elongation (by association with ELL and RNA polymerase II). Indirect effects on apoptosis and suppression of oncogenic signaling pathways (such as HIF-1α and β-catenin).