Olfactomedin 2 (OLFM2)

Olfactomedin 2 (OLFM2) is a highly conserved secreted glycoprotein characterized by an olfactomedin domain. It is expressed in various tissues, including the eye (retina, particularly retinal ganglion cell layer), smooth muscle cells, and adipocytes. OLFM2 expression is developmentally regulated and has been shown to drive smooth muscle cell differentiation via interaction with serum response factor (SRF), mediating transcriptional activation in response to TGF-β signaling. Mutations in OLFM2 are associated with open-angle glaucoma in humans, and defective OLFM2 function may contribute to adipocyte dysfunction and obesity. OLFM2 interacts with other olfactomedin family proteins (such as OLFM1 and OLFM3) but not with myocilin. Its roles span eye development, visual perception, vascular development, metabolic regulation, and potentially disease processes including glaucoma and obesity. No drugs targeting OLFM2 are currently in clinical use.

Other names

Noelin-2OLFM2

OLFM2 regulates smooth muscle gene transcription as a coactivator – particularly by promoting serum response factor (SRF) binding to CArG box elements in gene promoters during TGF-β signaling; however, no specific drugs with established mechanisms of action targeting OLFM2 are identified.