Heme-binding protein 2 (HEBP2)

Heme-binding protein 2 (HEBP2, also known as SOUL) is a cytoplasmic protein involved in cellular fate processes, notably in the modulation of mitochondrial membrane permeability and the promotion of necrotic or programmed cell death, particularly under conditions of oxidative stress[1][2]. HEBP2 enhances outer and inner mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, and a peptide spanning a BH3-like domain in HEBP2 can interact with anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL, suggesting a pro-apoptotic function similar to certain BH3-only proteins[1]. While previously classified as a heme-binding protein due to its sequence similarity to HEBP1, structural data indicate HEBP2 itself does not tightly bind heme; the "SOUL" family designation is increasingly preferred[3]. Misregulation of HEBP2 or its interaction with other cellular proteins (e.g., ALG-2) can alter microtubule dynamics, spindle orientation, and genomic stability, contributing to processes relevant to cancer and cell proliferation[1][5]. However, HEBP2 is not currently recognized as a mainstream drug target, nor are there approved drugs acting specifically on this protein.

Other names

C6orf34SOULPP23Placental protein 23Protein SOULC6ORF34B