KLHL2 acts as a substrate-specific adapter of a BCR (BTB-CUL3-RBX1) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. In this role it brings target proteins to the ligase so that they are ubiquitinated, most often leading to proteasomal degradation. The BCR(KLHL2) complex catalyses ubiquitination and degradation of NPTXR, and KLHL2 is responsible for the degradative ubiquitination of the WNK kinases WNK1, WNK3 and WNK4.

Beyond ubiquitination, the KLHL2 protein plays a role in the reorganisation of the actin cytoskeleton and promotes the growth of cell projections in oligodendrocyte precursors. This fits its reported localisation: UniProt lists it in the cytoplasm and cytoskeleton, in the cytosol, and in cell projections including ruffles and lamellipodia. NCBI Gene summarises its activities as actin binding, identical protein binding and ubiquitin-like ligase-substrate adaptor activity, and places it in the actin cytoskeleton. It is predicted to take part in proteasome-mediated ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolism and protein ubiquitination.

The KLHL2 gene belongs to the HGNC groups for kelch like and BTB domain containing proteins. Its earlier names, kelch (Drosophila)-like 2 (Mayven) and the symbol MAV, reflect its relationship to the Drosophila kelch protein. Mouse and rat both carry a Klhl2 ortholog, which allows the protein to be studied in common model systems. Researchers interested in KLHL2 often look at it alongside other kelch-like family members that also act as CUL3 adapters.