YTH domain-containing family protein 2 (YTHDF2)

YTH domain-containing family protein 2 (YTHDF2) is a critical cytoplasmic "reader" of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent internal modification in eukaryotic mRNA. It primarily functions by recognizing m6A-modified transcripts and recruiting the CCR4-NOT deadenylase complex or the ribonuclease P/MRP complex to trigger mRNA degradation, thereby controlling the dosage of specific transcripts within the cell. This regulatory mechanism is essential for diverse biological processes, including the maintenance of stem cell pluripotency, cell cycle progression, and the modulation of immune responses. In oncology, YTHDF2 is frequently overexpressed and acts as an oncoprotein in various malignancies, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), where it promotes tumor cell survival and immune evasion by accelerating the decay of tumor-suppressive mRNAs. Consequently, YTHDF2 has emerged as a high-priority therapeutic target, with small-molecule inhibitors currently in development to disrupt its interaction with m6A-RNA and restore normal gene expression patterns in cancer cells.

Other names

YT521-B homology domain family 2YTH domain-containing family member 2HGRG8NY-REN-2High-glucose-regulated gene 8 protein

Inhibition of the YTH domain to block binding to N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-modified RNA, thereby preventing the degradation of target tumor-suppressive mRNAs and inducing apoptosis or cell cycle arrest in cancer cells.