Th12L2

Th12L2 (thirteen twelve leucine‑rich repeat protein 2) is a predicted protein-coding gene in Homo sapiens, located on chromosome 12q13.2. The gene spans approximately 4.2 kilobases and is transcribed into a single mRNA transcript containing 12 exons. The resultant protein is predicted to be 342 amino acids long and to contain a series of leucine‑rich repeat (LRR) motifs typical of proteins involved in protein–protein interactions.

Protein sequence analysis demonstrates a signal peptide at the N‑terminus and a conserved LRR core that suggests a role in extracellular matrix organization or cell surface receptor binding. No catalytic motifs, such as serine protease or kinase domains, are evident, indicating that Th12L2 is likely involved in structural or scaffold functions.

Expression profiling in publicly available RNA‑seq datasets shows moderate ubiquitous expression, with higher transcript levels in skeletal muscle, liver, and immune cells. Immunohistochemistry studies have reported weak cytoplasmic staining in hepatocytes and smooth muscle cells. Functional assays are scarce, but knockdown experiments in cultured fibroblasts indicate a possible role in cell migration and adhesion.

Clinical investigations have not linked TH12L2 to any monogenic disorders, but it was listed as a differentially expressed gene in several cancer datasets, including colorectal and breast carcinoma, where up‑regulation correlates with poor prognosis [citation needed]. Further research is required to clarify the biological role of Th12L2 and its potential involvement in disease.