RNF2

Polycomb group (PcG) of proteins form the multiprotein complexes that are important for the transcription repression of various genes involved in development and cell proliferation. The protein encoded by this gene is one of the PcG proteins. It has been shown to interact with, and suppress the activity of, transcription factor CP2 (TFCP2/CP2). Studies of the mouse counterpart suggested the involvement of this gene in the specification of anterior-posterior axis, as well as in cell proliferation in early development. This protein was also found to interact with huntingtin interacting protein 2 (HIP2), an ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, and possess ubiquitin ligase activity. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Full Name

RNF2

Function

E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase that mediates monoubiquitination of 'Lys-119' of histone H2A (H2AK119Ub), thereby playing a central role in histone code and gene regulation (PubMed:15386022, PubMed:16359901, PubMed:25519132, PubMed:33864376, PubMed:21772249, PubMed:25355358, PubMed:26151332).
H2AK119Ub gives a specific tag for epigenetic transcriptional repression and participates in X chromosome inactivation of female mammals. May be involved in the initiation of both imprinted and random X inactivation (By similarity).
Essential component of a Polycomb group (PcG) multiprotein PRC1-like complex, a complex class required to maintain the transcriptionally repressive state of many genes, including Hox genes, throughout development (PubMed:16359901, PubMed:26151332).
PcG PRC1 complex acts via chromatin remodeling and modification of histones, rendering chromatin heritably changed in its expressibility (PubMed:26151332).
E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase activity is enhanced by BMI1/PCGF4 (PubMed:21772249).
Acts as the main E3 ubiquitin ligase on histone H2A of the PRC1 complex, while RING1 may rather act as a modulator of RNF2/RING2 activity (Probable). Association with the chromosomal DNA is cell-cycle dependent. In resting B- and T-lymphocytes, interaction with AURKB leads to block its activity, thereby maintaining transcription in resting lymphocytes (By similarity).
Also acts as a negative regulator of autophagy by mediating ubiquitination of AMBRA1, leading to its subsequent degradation (By similarity).

Biological Process

Biological Process anterior/posterior axis specificationIEA:Ensembl
Biological Process gastrulation with mouth forming secondIEA:Ensembl
Biological Process gene expressionIEA:Ensembl
Biological Process germ cell developmentIEA:Ensembl
Biological Process histone H2A monoubiquitinationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:UniProtKB
Biological Process histone H2A-K119 monoubiquitinationISS:UniProtKB
Biological Process mitotic cell cycleIEA:Ensembl
Biological Process negative regulation of DNA-binding transcription factor activityManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIMP:UniProtKB
Biological Process negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase IIISS:UniProtKB

Cellular Location

Nucleus
Cytoplasm
Chromosome
Enriched on inactive X chromosome (Xi) in female trophoblast stem (TS) cells as well as differentiating embryonic stem (ES) cells. The enrichment on Xi is transient during TS and ES cell differentiation. The association with Xi is mitotically stable in non-differentiated TS cells.

Involvement in disease

Luo-Schoch-Yamamoto syndrome (LUSYAM):
An autosomal dominant disorder characterized by intrauterine growth retardation, severe intellectual disability, behavioral problems, early-onset seizures, feeding difficulties, and dysmorphic features. White matter abnormalities and delayed myelination are observed on brain imaging.

PTM

Monoubiquitinated, by auto-ubiquitination (By similarity).
Polyubiquitinated in the presence of UBE2D3 (in vitro) (PubMed:26151332).