Y-box binding protein 2 (YBX2)

Y-box binding protein 2 is a nucleic acid binding protein predominantly found in germ cells, encoded by the YBX2 gene. It binds both DNA at Y-box promoter elements and mRNA, functioning as a key regulator of mRNA stability and translation in germ cells. YBX2 is a member of the cold shock domain protein family, sharing structural similarity with other Y-box proteins but mainly expressed in germ cell lineages. It plays a crucial role in the storage and translational repression of specific mRNAs during spermatogenesis, ensuring proper development of male germ cells and fertility. Mutations or deficiencies in YBX2 are associated with infertility, particularly related to disruptions in mRNA regulation in spermatids. Diseases directly linked to YBX2 include human infertility and ovarian dysgerminoma, and by analogy with other Y-box proteins, it may be involved in cancer biology, although most evidence of roles in tumorigenesis focuses on the related YBX1 protein.

Other names

ContrinDNA-binding protein CDbpcGerm cell-specific Y-box-binding proteinMSY2 homologCSDA3MSY2