Leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains protein 2 (LRIG2)

Leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains protein 2 (LRIG2) is an integral transmembrane protein characterized by extracellular leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains, a transmembrane region, and a cytoplasmic tail. Unlike the related LRIG1, which restrains growth factor signaling, LRIG2 amplifies receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways including EGFR and PDGFRβ, promoting cell cycle progression and proliferation, especially in glioblastoma and several epithelial cancers. LRIG2 forms physical complexes with and stabilizes these RTKs, correlating with poor prognosis and increased malignancy in certain tumor types. Its role as a tumor promoter distinguishes it from its paralogs and suggests it as a candidate for future cancer-targeted therapy and biomarker development. Genetic variants in LRIG2 are additionally linked to rare developmental syndromes with facial and urinary dysfunction. Direct pharmacological targeting is not clinically established, with current interventions focused on modulating relevant RTK pathways.

Other names

LRIG2KIAA0806LIG2LIG-2UFS2

LRIG2 does not have drugs targeting it directly; indirect mechanisms relate to inhibition of PDGFRβ or EGFR signaling where LRIG2 amplifies downstream pathways. Drugs like Imatinib block the PDGFRβ pathway that is positively regulated by LRIG2