VANGL planar cell polarity protein 2 (VANGL2)

VANGL planar cell polarity protein 2 (VANGL2) is a four-pass transmembrane protein that mediates the planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway in vertebrates[1][2][3][4]. It is structurally related to Drosophila Van Gogh (Vang) and Strabismus proteins, comprising a membrane-localized hexameric assembly with domains critical for protein–protein interactions[1][2]. VANGL2 plays a pivotal role in tissue morphogenesis and organization during embryonic development: it is essential for neural tube closure, cochlear hair cell bundle orientation, and the coordinated migration of cells in epithelial sheets[3][4]. Pathogenic mutations in VANGL2 can severely disrupt development, causing neural tube defects. Aberrant expression or dysregulation of VANGL2 has also been implicated in promoting cancer invasion and metastasis, partially through interactions that coordinate cell polarity and migration[1]. VANGL2 acts through interactions with polarity regulators such as Prickle (PK1, PK2) and is required for correct subcellular localization and functional PCP signaling. While not a classical therapeutic target like a receptor or enzyme, it is a crucial regulator of cell signaling and tissue architecture whose dysfunction is associated with congenital malformations and cancer progression[1][2][3][4].

Other names

Vang-like protein 2Vangl2KIAA1215STB1LTAPLPP1STBMSTBM1MGC119403MGC119404Loop-tail protein 1 homologStrabismus 1Van Gogh-like protein 2vangvan gogh-like 2loop-tail-associated proteinstrabismusvang-like protein 2loop-tail protein 1 homologvang-like 2 (van gogh, Drosophila)