Ornithine decarboxylase antizyme 2 (OAZ2)

Ornithine decarboxylase antizyme 2 (OAZ2) is a regulatory protein encoded by the OAZ2 gene in humans. It belongs to the ornithine decarboxylase antizyme family, whose primary function is to negatively regulate ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity—the enzyme catalyzing the first and rate-limiting step in polyamine biosynthesis. Antizyme 2 binds to ODC, inhibiting its enzymatic activity and thus reducing intracellular polyamine levels[2][3]. Unlike antizyme 1 (OAZ1), OAZ2 does not accelerate ODC degradation but acts as a direct inhibitor. OAZ2 therefore helps maintain cellular polyamine homeostasis, with relevance to processes such as cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Dysregulation of this pathway—especially ODC overactivity—is linked to pathological conditions, including several cancers, due to the fundamental role of polyamines in cell cycle progression and survival[1][2][3].

Other names

OAZ2Ornithine decarboxylase antizyme IIAntizyme 2

not applicable (no drugs directly target OAZ2; mechanistic relevance is regulatory inhibition of ODC enzyme activity[2][3])