Scm polycomb group protein like 2 (SCML2)

SCML2 (Scm polycomb group protein like 2) is a human Polycomb group protein containing MBT (malignant brain tumor) repeat domains and a SAM/SPM domain, essential for the repression of target genes involved in development and cell cycle regulation[1][2][6][8]. As part of the Polycomb repressive complexes—particularly PRC1—it interacts with histones, chromatin-associated RNAs, and other protein partners (such as p21, CDK2, cyclins), thereby regulating the cell cycle, maintaining epigenetic gene silencing, and controlling cell differentiation[2][4][6][8]. There are two main isoforms: SCML2A (chromatin-associated, PRC1-binding, and RNA-binding for target gene repression) and SCML2B (nucleoplasmic, primarily involved in cell-cycle checkpoint control via protein-protein interaction, independent of classical Polycomb Complex binding)[2][4]. Its dysfunction can contribute to aberrant epigenetic silencing and potentially oncogenesis[2][8]. SCML2 itself is not currently considered a druggable therapeutic target, but it is mechanistically important in cancer biology and transcriptional regulation.

Other names

Sex comb on midleg like 2Sex comb on midleg like 2 (Drosophila)Polycomb group protein SCML2