NINJ2
NINJ2 (ninjurin 2) is a cell membrane protein of the ninjurin family, named for nerve injury induced. It is thought to act as a homophilic transmembrane adhesion molecule linked to nerve regeneration and axonal growth. Browse Assay Genie's current range of NINJ2 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
NINJ2 is a member of the ninjurin family and is found at the cell membrane. It may act as a homophilic transmembrane adhesion molecule involved in nerve regeneration, and it promotes axonal growth. The full role of the NINJ2 protein is still described as unclear in the UniProt annotation.
A useful point of contrast is its paralog NINJ1. NINJ1 mediates plasma membrane rupture (cytolysis) downstream of necroptotic and pyroptotic programmed cell death. NINJ2 does not. It is able to oligomerise and form filaments, but these filaments curve toward the intracellular space. This prevents circularisation, so they cannot mediate plasma membrane rupture.
According to the NCBI Gene summary, the NINJ2 gene encodes a cell surface adhesion protein that is upregulated in Schwann cells surrounding the distal segment of injured nerve. It promotes neurite outgrowth and may therefore contribute to nerve regeneration after nerve injury. The ninjurin family takes its name from this nerve injury-induced behaviour. Mouse and rat both carry a Ninj2 ortholog, which allows the biology to be studied in common rodent models.
NINJ2 is upregulated in Schwann cells around the distal segment of injured nerve and may support nerve regeneration after injury.
NINJ2 promotes neurite outgrowth and axonal growth, making it a candidate for studies of how neurons extend processes.
NINJ2 may act as a homophilic transmembrane adhesion molecule, relevant to work on cell surface adhesion between neighbouring cells.
Unlike NINJ1, NINJ2 does not mediate plasma membrane rupture in necroptosis or pyroptosis, giving a useful comparison for paralog studies.
The role of NINJ2 is described as unclear. It may act as a homophilic transmembrane adhesion molecule involved in nerve regeneration, and it promotes axonal growth and neurite outgrowth. It does not mediate plasma membrane rupture during necroptotic or pyroptotic cell death.
Both belong to the ninjurin family and are paralogs. NINJ1 mediates plasma membrane rupture in programmed cell death. NINJ2 can oligomerise and form filaments, but they curve toward the intracellular space, which prevents circularisation and membrane rupture.
Yes. Mouse and rat each have an ortholog named Ninj2, so rodent models can be used to study its role in nerve injury and regeneration. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
The paralog NINJ1, which mediates plasma membrane rupture, is a closely related ninjurin family target with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9NZG7; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.