Homeobox protein cut-like 2 (CUX2)

Homeobox protein cut-like 2 (CUX2) is a transcription factor characterized by three CUT domains and a homeodomain, enabling DNA binding and regulation of gene expression. CUX2 is primarily expressed in neural tissue, especially postmitotic neurons of layers II–IV in the cerebral cortex. It plays essential roles in neural development, such as controlling neuron proliferation, differentiation, dendrite development, synaptogenesis, and cell cycle progression[3][5][6]. CUX2 also acts as an accessory factor in the repair of oxidative DNA damage by directly interacting with and stimulating DNA glycosylase OGG1, playing a unique role in genome maintenance in neurons and certain cancer cells[1]. Mutations in CUX2 are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, including epileptic encephalopathies, and functional alteration of CUX2 can influence cancer cell survival[1][4][7]. There are no known drugs that target CUX2 directly, nor are there established therapeutic or safety concerns in current medical practice.

Other names

CUTL2KIAA0293CDP2DEE67EIEE67homeobox protein cux-2

No direct small-molecule modulators or drugs known; mechanism described for the protein itself includes: Transcriptional repression of target genes; Accessory activation of DNA glycosylase OGG1 for oxidative DNA damage repair