Transformer-2 protein homolog beta (TRA2B) (TRA2B)

Transformer-2 protein homolog beta (TRA2B), historically designated as SFRS10, is a pivotal RNA-binding protein and a member of the serine/arginine (SR)-like family of splicing factors (GeneCards). It functions as a sequence-specific regulator of alternative pre-mRNA splicing, typically binding to AG-rich exonic splicing enhancers to facilitate the inclusion of alternative exons in target transcripts (UniProt). TRA2B is indispensable for mammalian development, with its absence leading to embryonic lethality and severe defects in neurogenesis due to the induction of apoptosis in neural progenitor cells (Roberts et al., 2014). In the context of disease, TRA2B is a key modulator of the SMN2 gene, where it promotes the inclusion of exon 7, making it a target for therapeutic upregulation in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) (Storbeck et al., 2014). Conversely, TRA2B is frequently overexpressed in various malignancies, including lung and ovarian cancers, where it promotes oncogenic splicing patterns that favor cell proliferation and survival (J Mol Histol, 2014). Therapeutic approaches targeting the TRA2B mRNA or protein include antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) designed to induce poison exon inclusion and small molecules like valproic acid, which transcriptionally upregulates TRA2B to correct splicing in neurological conditions (Nat Commun, 2025; PLOS ONE, 2014).

Other names

SFRS10Splicing factor, arginine/serine-rich 10TRA2-betaHtra2-betaTRAN2BSRFS10PPP1R156

Modulation of alternative pre-mRNA splicing through sequence-specific binding to exonic splicing enhancers, transcriptional induction of the TRA2B gene, or proteasomal degradation of the TRA2B protein.