Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 2 (ENT2 (or hENT2 for the human protein))

Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 2 (ENT2) is a broadly expressed, glycosylated membrane protein encoded by the SLC29A2 gene. It functions as a sodium-independent, bidirectional transporter of purine and pyrimidine nucleosides, nucleobases, and a variety of nucleoside-derived drugs, playing a key role in nucleoside homeostasis, DNA synthesis, and cell cycle progression[1][2]. ENT2 is found in most tissues—with higher mRNA in skeletal muscle—and can localize to both plasma and nuclear membranes, including functional splice variants important for cell proliferation and DNA replication[1][3][5][6]. ENT2 is less sensitive to certain inhibitors than ENT1, with its inhibition or altered expression implicated in cancer progression, response to chemotherapy, and cellular response to metabolic demand. The protein has clinical interest as a drug transporter and potential biomarker in oncology, but its broad substrate range and tissue distribution pose challenges for selective therapeutic targeting[1][2][6][8].

Other names

SLC29A2DER12HNP36ei[2][10]

Facilitation of cellular entry and exit of nucleoside drugs (bidirectional, passive transport) Inhibition: Many drugs inhibit ENT2 to modulate nucleoside uptake or retention