M6PIGF2R

M6PIGF2R refers to the gene that encodes the protein known as the IGF2 receptor or cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR). This receptor plays a crucial role in intracellular trafficking and the targeting of specific proteins to lysosomes.

The IGF2R gene is located on chromosome 6 in humans. The protein it produces is a single-pass transmembrane glycoprotein. Its primary function is to bind to mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) residues on newly synthesized lysosomal enzymes within the Golgi apparatus. This binding ensures that these enzymes are correctly sorted and delivered to lysosomes, which are the cellular organelles responsible for degradation of waste materials and cellular debris.

Beyond its role in lysosomal targeting, the IGF2R protein also binds to insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2). This interaction suggests a role in regulating IGF2 signaling, although the precise physiological significance of this binding is still under investigation. The receptor can be found on the cell surface as well as within intracellular compartments.

Mutations or dysregulation of the M6PIGF2R gene have been associated with various cellular processes and have been implicated in certain diseases, though its direct link to specific human pathologies is an area of ongoing research. Understanding the function of M6PIGF2R is important for comprehending lysosomal biogenesis and the broader landscape of cellular signaling pathways.