Actin-binding protein, Cytoskeletal protein, Calponin family protein
01
Overview
Transgelin-2 is a small, widely expressed actin-binding protein encoded by the *TAGLN2* gene on chromosome 1q21-q25. Structurally, it belongs to the calponin protein family and contains an N-terminal calponin homology (CH) domain and a C-terminal calponin-like repeat[1]. Transgelin-2 binds and stabilizes filamentous actin (F-actin), acting as a molecular "stapler" to maintain cytoskeletal integrity and regulate cell shape. In immune cells, transgelin-2 is uniquely expressed and is critical for stabilizing the immune synapse, regulating membrane protrusions, and facilitating effective immune cell activation and migration[2][3]. In cancer, elevated transgelin-2 expression drives tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and chemoresistance, marking it as a potential oncogenic factor and therapeutic target[1][3]. Its dual role in cancer progression and immune regulation positions transgelin-2 as both a promising biomarker and a challenging therapeutic target due to its functional importance in normal immunity and tumor biology.
Other names
SM22-alpha homologSM22 betaHA1756KIAA0120CDABP0035Epididymis tissue protein Li 7eEpididymis secretory sperm binding proteinTransgelin 2Transgelin-2
02
Mechanism of action
Selective downregulation of transgelin-2 expression in cancer cells may prevent multidrug resistance and metastatic spread.\nUpregulation or administration of transgelin-2 in immune cells may improve immune synapse formation and effector function.
03
Biological functions
Regulation of actin cytoskeleton organization and stabilizationFormation and stabilization of immune synapse in T cellsPotentiation of phagocytosis in activated macrophagesEnhancement of cell motility and membrane protrusions (e.g. filopodia)Regulation of cell adhesion via interaction with LFA-1 integrinParticipation in cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in cancerRegulation of immune cell activation and effector functions
04
Disease associations
Cancer: promotes tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance in malignant tumors (such as cervical cancer, pancreatic cancer, leukemia, and lymphomas)Immune dysfunction: influences immune cell function and inflammatory responsePotential involvement in host defense against infection and neoplasmsPossible roles in other diseases involving cytoskeletal dysfunction, though primary evidence is in cancer and immunity
05
Safety considerations
Dual biological roles: Transgelin-2 is beneficial for immune defense but also promotes cancer metastasis and drug resistance, so non-selective targeting may risk immunosuppression or promote neoplasiaPotential off-target effects: in normal tissue due to ubiquitous expression
06
Interacting drugs
Cell-permeable recombinant transgelin-2 protein (for immune enhancement)
1 more in the full profile.
07
Biomarkers
Transgelin-2 expression level is a biomarker for malignant tumors and may predict tumor aggressiveness and therapy responsePotential marker for immune activation status in antigen-presenting cells
Beyond the preview
Go deeper on Transgelin-2 (TAGLN2).
Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.
Drug pipeline
Explore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.
Drug candidates
Developers
Development stage
Clinical trials
Follow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.
Trial design
Status
Readouts
Competitive landscape
Compare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.
Programs
Modalities
Indications
Literature & evidence
Investigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.
Publications
Sources
Analysis
Patents
Explore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.
Patents
Assignees
Technologies
Research & analysis
Connect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.
Biology
Development news
Analysis
Bring the full picture into focus.
See how Gosset can support your research on Transgelin-2 (TAGLN2).