Ubiquilin 2 (UBQLN2) Antibody

This gene encodes an ubiquitin-like protein (ubiquilin) that shares high degree of similarity with related products in yeast, rat and frog. Ubiquilins contain a N-terminal ubiquitin-like domain and a C-terminal ubiquitin-associated domain. They physically associate with both proteasomes and ubiquitin ligases; and thus, are thought to functionally link the ubiquitination machinery to the proteasome to affect in vivo protein degradation. This ubiquilin has also been shown to bind the ATPase domain of the Hsp70-like Stch protein. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2009]

UBQLN2: Increases the half-life of proteins destined to be degraded by the proteasome; may modulate proteasome-mediated protein degradation. Defects in UBQLN2 are the cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 15 with or without frontotemporal dementia (ALS15). A neurodegenerative disorder affecting upper motor neurons in the brain and lower motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord, resulting in fatal paralysis. Sensory abnormalities are absent. The pathologic hallmarks of the disease include pallor of the corticospinal tract due to loss of motor neurons, presence of ubiquitin-positive inclusions within surviving motor neurons, and deposition of pathologic aggregates. The etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is likely to be multifactorial, involving both genetic and environmental factors. The disease is inherited in 5-10% of the cases. Patients with ALS15 may develop frontotemporal dementia.

Protein type: Ubiquitin conjugating system

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: Xp11.21

Cellular Component: cytoplasm; plasma membrane; nucleus

Molecular Function: protein binding

Disease: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 15, With Or Without Frontotemporal Dementia