Spalt-like transcription factor 2 (SALL2)

Spalt-like transcription factor 2 (SALL2) is a **zinc finger transcription factor** in the Spalt-like family, conserved from nematodes to humans. It contains an N-terminal C2HC zinc finger domain, a glutamine-rich region, and several C2H2 zinc finger domains[1]. SALL2 controls key biological processes including neuronal differentiation, embryonic development, and regulation of cell migration through control of focal adhesion turnover and integrin β1 expression[1]. It exists as two main isoforms with tissue-specific functions. In development, SALL2 is expressed in the kidney, brain, and other tissues, but knockout studies in mice suggest it is not essential for embryonic or kidney development[2]. In cancer biology, SALL2 is regarded as a tumor suppressor in certain tissues, regulating the cell cycle and apoptosis, but acts as an oncogene in others. Its relevance for disease arises from its role in migration, cell cycle regulation, and differentiation; however, SALL2 is not currently a direct therapeutic target and no approved drugs are known to target this protein[1][2].

Other names

Sal-like protein 2KIAA0360SAL2ZNF795Sal-2hSal2COLBHSAL2p150(Sal2)zinc finger protein 795zinc finger protein Spalt-2