MORC family CW-type zinc finger 2 (MORC2)

MORC family CW-type zinc finger 2 (MORC2) is a chromatin remodeling enzyme encoded by the human MORC2 gene. It contains an N-terminal GHKL-type ATPase domain, a central CW-type zinc finger domain, coiled-coil domains, and a C-terminal chromo-like domain. MORC2 is predominantly nuclear and participates in heterochromatin condensation, epigenetic gene silencing via the HUSH complex, and transcriptional repression. Its ATPase and chromatin remodeling activities are essential for an effective DNA damage response, notably through interaction and reciprocal regulation with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1). In the cytoplasm, MORC2 also plays a role in glucose and lipid metabolism. Pathogenic heterozygous mutations in MORC2 cause distinct genetic neuropathies such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2Z and DIGFAN syndrome, as well as being implicated in several cancers due to its ability to affect gene expression and cellular metabolic pathways[1][3][4][5][7].

Other names

Microrchidia family CW-type zinc finger 2MORC2

Not a direct therapeutic target, but MORC2 modulates chromatin structure and gene expression and may be involved in the cellular response to genotoxic therapies (e.g., via interaction with PARP1 in DNA damage response)[7][1].