RNF2
RNF2 (ring finger protein 2, also known as RING1B, RING2, BAP-1, DING and HIPI3) is a RING-type E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase and a core Polycomb group protein. It monoubiquitinates histone H2A at Lys-119, marking chromatin for transcriptional repression. Browse Assay Genie's current range of RNF2 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
RNF2 is an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase that mediates monoubiquitination of Lys-119 of histone H2A (H2AK119Ub). This modification acts as a specific tag for epigenetic transcriptional repression and has a central role in the histone code and gene regulation. It also participates in X chromosome inactivation in female mammals, and the protein may be involved in the initiation of both imprinted and random X inactivation.
The RNF2 protein is an essential component of a Polycomb group (PcG) multiprotein PRC1-like complex. This complex class maintains the transcriptionally repressive state of many genes, including Hox genes, throughout development, acting through chromatin remodelling and histone modification so that chromatin is heritably changed in its expressibility. RNF2 is the main E3 ubiquitin ligase for histone H2A within PRC1, while RING1 may act as a modulator of its activity. Its ligase activity is enhanced by BMI1/PCGF4, and its association with chromosomal DNA is cell-cycle dependent.
Beyond chromatin, RNF2 has other reported roles. In resting B- and T-lymphocytes it interacts with AURKB and blocks its activity, which maintains transcription in these cells. It also acts as a negative regulator of autophagy by ubiquitinating AMBRA1, leading to AMBRA1 degradation. NCBI notes that it interacts with and suppresses transcription factor CP2 (TFCP2), and that it binds huntingtin interacting protein 2 (HIP2), an ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme. Studies of the mouse counterpart point to roles in anterior-posterior axis specification and in cell proliferation during early development. The RNF2 gene belongs to the HGNC group of RING finger E3 ubiquitin protein ligases.
RNF2 deposits the H2AK119Ub mark that tags chromatin for transcriptional repression, making it a central subject in histone code research.
As the main H2A E3 ligase of PRC1-like complexes, RNF2 is studied for how Polycomb groups keep genes such as Hox genes repressed.
RNF2 and H2AK119Ub participate in X inactivation in female mammals, and the protein may be involved in imprinted and random initiation.
RNF2 negatively regulates autophagy by ubiquitinating AMBRA1 for degradation, linking this ligase to protein turnover and autophagy control.
RNF2 is an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase that monoubiquitinates histone H2A at Lys-119, a mark for transcriptional repression. It is the main H2A ligase in the Polycomb PRC1 complex, and it also ubiquitinates AMBRA1 to negatively regulate autophagy.
RNF2 stands for ring finger protein 2. Its UniProt name is E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase RING2, and aliases include RING1B, RING2, BAP-1, BAP1, DING and HIPI3. Searching under several of these names helps when comparing literature and reagents.
Yes. Mouse and rat both have an Rnf2 ortholog. Studies of the mouse counterpart suggest involvement in anterior-posterior axis specification and early cell proliferation. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other RING finger E3 ubiquitin ligases that sit alongside RNF2 in ubiquitination and chromatin research.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q99496; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.