FIGNL2

FIGNL2, also known as FAM134B, is a protein-coding gene found in humans. It is part of the family of reticulophagy proteins, which are involved in a specific type of autophagy. Autophagy is a cellular process that degrades and recycles damaged or unnecessary components within a cell. Reticulophagy, a specialized form of autophagy, specifically targets the endoplasmic reticulum, a crucial organelle involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism.

The FIGNL2 protein is thought to play a role in regulating the formation of autophagosomes, the vesicles that enclose cellular material for degradation. Its precise mechanism of action is still under investigation, but it is believed to interact with other proteins involved in the autophagy pathway. Research suggests that FIGNL2 may be important for maintaining cellular homeostasis by removing damaged endoplasmic reticulum. Dysregulation of this process has been implicated in various diseases, though the direct link to FIGNL2's role in human pathology is an active area of study. Genetic variations in FIGNL2 have been explored in relation to certain conditions, but more research is needed to establish definitive connections and understand the functional consequences of these variations.