MOB2 (Mps One Binder kinase activator-like 2) is a member of the evolutionarily conserved MOB protein family, which plays critical roles in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and signal transduction pathways, particularly the Hippo signaling pathway. Structurally, MOB2 lacks intrinsic enzymatic activity but functions as a scaffold or cofactor to modulate the activity of downstream kinases. It shares homology with MOB1. though their functional roles diverge. While MOB1 is a core component of the Hippo pathway, MOB2 is less characterized but has been implicated in regulating the NDR1/2 (Nuclear Dbf2-related) kinases, which influence centrosome duplication, mitotic progression, and neuronal development.
Research suggests MOB2 interacts with NDR kinases to form a complex involved in maintaining cell polarity and genomic stability. Dysregulation of MOB2 has been associated with cancer progression, with studies reporting its overexpression in certain tumors, potentially contributing to uncontrolled proliferation or metastasis. Additionally, MOB2 may intersect with mTOR signaling and DNA damage response pathways, though these mechanisms remain under investigation.
MOB2-specific antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and interactions in cellular contexts. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation to explore MOB2's role in physiological and pathological processes. Despite advances, the full scope of MOB2's functions and regulatory networks remains an active area of research, particularly in cancer biology and neurodevelopmental disorders.