RASSF2: Proteins and Enzymes

RASSF2 (Ras association domain-containing protein 2; also RASSF2A) is a 34-36 kDa member of the RASSF family of proteins. It is widely expressed, and serves as a tumor suppressor by interacting with K-Ras in a GTP-dependent manner, and activating caspase-3 and inducing apoptosis. Human RASSF2 is 326 amino acids (aa) in length. It contains a bipartite NLS (aa 151-167), a Ras-association domain (aa 176-264) and a SARAH domain (aa 272-319) that mediates homo- and heterotypic interactions. Multiple isoforms exist. One shows an insertion of 13 aa after Lys213, a second shows a three aa substitution for aa 305-326, and a third shows a 20 aa substitution for aa 1-96, accompanied by a three aa substitution for aa 231-326. RASSF2 is often found down regulated in lung-derived tumor cell lines.