SNAI2

GeneName

SNAI2

Summary

SNAI2, also known as SLUG, is a 30 kDa zinc-finger transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in regulating gene expression during various developmental processes. It is predominantly localised in the nucleus and cytoplasm, where it binds to chromatin and acts as a transcriptional repressor. SNAI2 is involved in critical biological processes such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is essential for cell migration and tissue morphogenesis, including aortic valve and cartilage development. Additionally, it has roles in regulating cellular responses to growth factors and ionising radiation, as well as influencing cell adhesion and migration in various contexts, including endothelial and epithelial cells.

Importance

SNAI2 is relevant to: - Developmental biology, particularly in processes like EMT and organogenesis, influencing tissue architecture and cellular plasticity. - Cancer metastasis, as it promotes the invasive characteristics of tumour cells through EMT. - Stem cell biology, where it regulates the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells. - Response to environmental stressors, such as ionising radiation, by modulating apoptotic pathways and cellular survival mechanisms.

Top Products

For researchers investigating SNAI2, we recommend two excellent primary antibodies. The first is the well-cited polyclonal antibody, Anti-SNAIL + SLUG antibody (ab180714), which has garnered 231 citations, reflecting its strong reputation in the field. This antibody is particularly effective for Western blotting (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), making it a versatile choice for various applications. Additionally, we offer the recombinant antibody, Anti-SLUG antibody [EPR25113-46] (ab302780). This monoclonal antibody is validated for use in Western blotting (WB) and provides the batch-to-batch consistency that researchers often seek. With 5 citations, it is gaining traction among scientists studying SNAI2. Together, these antibodies provide robust options for your research needs.

Abcam Product Citation Summary

The data indicates that SNAI2 is frequently studied in the context of various cancers, particularly pancreatic and hepatocellular carcinoma, using Abcam antibodies. The applications primarily involve Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, highlighting the importance of SNAI2 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer progression. The studies span both human and rat models, suggesting a broad relevance of SNAI2 in cancer biology and potential therapeutic implications.

Abcam Product Citation Table

Domain

Repression activity depends on the C-terminal DNA-binding zinc fingers and on the N-terminal repression domain.

Function

Transcriptional repressor that modulates both activator-dependent and basal transcription. Involved in the generation and migration of neural crest cells. Plays a role in mediating RAF1-induced transcriptional repression of the TJ protein, occludin (OCLN) and subsequent oncogenic transformation of epithelial cells (By similarity). Represses BRCA2 expression by binding to its E2-box-containing silencer and recruiting CTBP1 and HDAC1 in breast cells. In epidermal keratinocytes, binds to the E-box in ITGA3 promoter and represses its transcription. Involved in the regulation of ITGB1 and ITGB4 expression and cell adhesion and proliferation in epidermal keratinocytes. Binds to E-box2 domain of BSG and activates its expression during TGFB1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocytes. Represses E-Cadherin/CDH1 transcription via E-box elements. Involved in osteoblast maturation. Binds to RUNX2 and SOC9 promoters and may act as a positive and negative transcription regulator, respectively, in osteoblasts. Binds to CXCL12 promoter via E-box regions in mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts. Plays an essential role in TWIST1-induced EMT and its ability to promote invasion and metastasis.

Involvement in disease

Waardenburg syndrome 2D

WS2D

WS2 is a genetically heterogeneous, autosomal dominant disorder characterized by sensorineural deafness, pigmentary disturbances, and absence of dystopia canthorum. The frequency of deafness is higher in WS2 than in WS1.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Piebald trait

PBT

Autosomal dominant genetic developmental abnormality of pigmentation characterized by congenital patches of white skin and hair that lack melanocytes.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Post-translational modifications

Phosphorylated by GSK3B. Once phosphorylated, it becomes a target for ubiquitination.

Ubiquitinated by the SCF(FBXO11) complex; ubiquitination requires previous GSK3B-mediated SNAI2 phosphorylation (PubMed:25827072).

Sequence Similarities

Belongs to the snail C2H2-type zinc-finger protein family.

Tissue Specificity

Expressed in most adult human tissues, including spleen, thymus, prostate, testis, ovary, small intestine, colon, heart, brain, placenta, lung, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney and pancreas. Not detected in peripheral blood leukocyte. Expressed in the dermis and in all layers of the epidermis, with high levels of expression in the basal layers (at protein level). Expressed in osteoblasts (at protein level). Expressed in mesenchymal stem cells (at protein level). Expressed in breast tumor cells (at protein level).

Cellular localization

• Nucleus
• Cytoplasm
• Observed in discrete foci in interphase nuclei. These nuclear foci do not overlap with the nucleoli, the SP100 and the HP1 heterochromatin or the coiled body, suggesting SNAI2 is associated with active transcription or active splicing regions.

Alternative names

SLUG, SLUGH, SNAI2, Zinc finger protein SNAI2, Neural crest transcription factor Slug, Protein snail homolog 2

Database links

swissprot:O43623 entrezGene:6591 entrezGene:6615 swissprot:O95863 omim:602150 omim:604238

Other research areas

• Oncology