karyopherin alpha 2 Protein

Background

KPNA2, also known as importin-α2, is a key nuclear transport adaptor protein that binds cargo proteins containing classical nuclear localization signals (NLS). It works in conjunction with importin-β to translocate the cargo through the nuclear pore complex (NPC) into the nucleus. KPNA2 is ubiquitously expressed and is involved in processes like gene expression, DNA repair, and cell proliferation. It has been shown to play a significant role in cancer biology, where overexpression of KPNA2 is associated with tumor progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis in cancers such as breast, lung, and liver cancers. KPNA2 also facilitates the nuclear import of viral proteins, making it a target in viral pathogenesis. Knockout studies indicate that KPNA2 is essential for cell viability and differentiation, particularly during embryogenesis and immune cell development.