Neurensin-2 (NRSN2)

Neurensin-2 (NRSN2) is a small, neuronal-specific vesicular membrane protein that localizes primarily to GABAergic interneurons in the hippocampus and cerebellum, where it regulates vesicle maintenance, transport, and endocytic trafficking of postsynaptic proteins such as AMPA receptors[1]. Neurensin-2 interacts with postsynaptic density scaffold proteins (Homer1, Homer3), clathrin, and endocytic machinery, making it a key regulator of synaptic vesicle trafficking and AMPAR signaling[1]. In cancer biology, including colorectal cancer, NRSN2 is overexpressed in tumor cells and promotes proliferation, invasion, and migration, in part by interacting with the transcription factor SOX12 and upregulating matrix metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9[2][3]. NRSN2 may serve as both a molecular biomarker and a therapeutic target in colorectal cancer, but as of now, no therapeutics or clinical inhibitors for NRSN2 have been developed or reported.

Other names

Neurensin-2NRSN2C20orf98dJ1103G7.6

modulating AMPA receptor endocytosis and trafficking in neurons; interacting with SOX12 to promote tumor cell survival, migration, and invasion (in cancer)