Piwi-like RNA-mediated gene silencing 2 (PIWIL2)

Piwi-like RNA-mediated gene silencing 2 (PIWIL2) is a member of the Argonaute/PIWI protein family, characterized by PAZ and PIWI domains. It is crucial for germline stem cell maintenance and piRNA biogenesis, facilitating repression of transposable elements in the germline and maintaining genomic integrity[2][3]. PIWIL2 functions as an endoribonuclease and epigenetic regulator, modulating chromatin structure and transcription. In cancers, PIWIL2 acts as an oncogene promoting cell proliferation, blocking apoptosis (via STAT3/Bcl-XL signaling), enabling cell cycle progression (G1/S transition), and facilitating metastasis and EMT[1][3]. It is highly expressed in various malignancies and contributes to tumor initiation, progression, and poor prognosis, especially by maintaining cancer stem cell characteristics and reprogramming somatic cells[1][3]. PIWIL2 also stabilizes epigenetic regulators and is involved in DNA damage response and resistance to therapy[3].

Other names

Piwi-like protein 2HILICT80FLJ10351MiliCancer/testis antigen 80Hiwi-likePIWIL1Lmilitesticular tissue protein Li 141

Therapies targeting PIWIL2 would likely inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, reduce stemness, and prevent EMT or metastasis in cancer by blocking its effects on the STAT3/Bcl-XL, c-Myc/CyclinD1, and p53/p21/cyclin E/CDK2 pathways[1][3].