Jun dimerization protein 2 (JDP2)

Jun dimerization protein 2 (JDP2) is a transcription factor belonging to the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family and the AP-1 functional group, encoded by the JDP2 gene on human chromosome 14q24.3[1][3]. JDP2 acts as a repressor or activator of gene transcription depending on dimerization partners and cellular context, notably interacting with c-Jun and ATF2 to modulate AP-1 and ATF-mediated responses[1][3]. It uniquely functions as a histone chaperone, binds DNA at specific promoter elements (TRE, CRE), and inhibits histone acetyltransferase activity, linking it to chromatin remodeling and epigenetic regulation[3][5]. JDP2 participates in regulation of cell differentiation, apoptosis, cellular senescence, cell cycle arrest, and stress responses[3][5]. It plays roles both as an oncogene and tumor suppressor, depending on cellular and developmental context, and has been studied as a modulator of progesterone receptor transcriptional activity—particularly influencing RU486 (mifepristone) response via coregulation of PR[2][4][6]. JDP2 expression is prominent in the brain, lung, and testis, and polymorphisms in JDP2 are associated with increased risk for intracranial aneurysm[1][3]. There are currently no approved drugs that directly target JDP2, but its molecular functions make it of growing interest both in cancer biology and regenerative medicine[3][5].

Other names

Jun dimerization protein 2JDP2JUNDM2progesterone receptor co-activatorjun dimerization protein 2JDP-2

Modulates the activity of nuclear hormone receptors (notably progesterone receptor); acts as a transcriptional co-activator by interacting with the amino-terminal domain (NTD) of PR, stabilizing active conformations, and influencing partial agonist/antagonist response [especially with RU486][2][4][6].