SLAIN motif family member 2 (SLAIN2)

SLAIN motif family member 2 (SLAIN2) is a cytoplasmic protein that binds to the plus end of microtubules and plays a critical role in regulating microtubule dynamics and organization, particularly by promoting microtubule nucleation and elongation[1][2][3]. SLAIN2 acts as a key component of the microtubule plus-end tracking protein (+TIP) network; it interacts directly with end-binding proteins (EBs), cytoplasmic linker proteins (CLIPs), CLIP-associated proteins (CLASPs), and ch-TOG, the mammalian homolog of the microtubule polymerase XMAP215[2]. Through these interactions, SLAIN2 enhances ch-TOG accumulation at growing microtubule ends, thereby stimulating polymerization specifically in interphase. SLAIN2 is highly phosphorylated during mitosis, which abrogates its interaction with other +TIPs and its localization at microtubule plus ends, allowing for cell cycle–specific modulation of microtubule dynamics[2]. SLAIN2 is not classified as a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or traditional therapeutic target, but is a structurally and functionally important scaffolding protein within the cytoskeleton.

Other names

SLAIN motif-containing protein 2KIAA1458FLJ21611SLAIN2