Insulinoma-associated protein 2 (INSM2)

Insulinoma-associated protein 2 (INSM2) is a zinc finger transcription factor encoded by the INSM2 gene. It acts primarily as a transcriptional repressor, has DNA-binding activity, and is involved in negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. INSM2 is required for proper differentiation of neuroendocrine tissues, notably in pancreatic islet cells where it is regulated by Ngn3 and NeuroD1 and plays a role in pancreatic endocrine lineage commitment. It is upregulated in neuroblastoma and promotes tumor growth, partially by modulating lipid metabolism through the mTOR–SREBP1 axis, stimulating fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis, and influencing genes such as MYCN and ANXA2. INSM2 is classified as a transcription factor and may act as a tumor suppressor in some contexts but can also function as an oncogenic driver in others, such as neuroblastoma.

Other names

Insulinoma-associated protein 2INSM2IA6Nbla106IA-6Mlt1Zinc finger protein IA-6mlt1insulinoma-associated 2insulinoma-associated protein IA-6

No approved drugs directly target INSM2. Interventional studies inhibit lipid metabolism downstream of INSM2 (e.g., FASN inhibitors or Fatostatin reduce cell viability in INSM2-driven cancers by targeting fatty acid synthesis).