Nhlh2(nescient helix-100p-helix2)基因,又名HEN2(HUAENHANCER2)和NSCL2(neuronal stem cell leukemia2)(或NSCL-2),其编码蛋白是碱性螺旋-环-螺旋(bHLH)转录因子家族的新成员,在神经系统中尤其是神经内分泌组织中特异性表达。目前已在鸡、小鼠、大鼠、牛和人类等多种真核生物中发现其同源基因,该基因的功能研究主要集中在神经内分泌系统、视网膜发育和肿瘤等相关领域,对其分子调控机制的探询已经取得一些初步成果。本文将从Nhlh2的基因和编码蛋白的特性、表达时空、功能研究以及调控与被调控机制等方面对其研究进展进行综述,并对今后的研究提出了展望和思考。
The protein encoded by gene Nhlh2 ( nescient helix-loop-helix 2, also known as HEN2 or NSCL2) is a new member of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family and is specifically expressed in nervous system, especially in neuroendocrine tissue. The homologous genes of Nhlh2 have been found in many eukaryotic organisms such as chicken, mouse, rat, cattle, and humarL The functional researches of Nhlh2 are mainly focused on neuroendocrine system, retina development, and tumors. Some preliminary results have been obtained in the investigation of molecular regulation mechanism. This article summarizes the recent research advances in Nhlh2.