Background
HMGB2 belongs to a family of highly conserved proteins that contain HMG box domains. HMGB2 is widely expressed during embryonic development, but it is restricted to lymphoid organs and testis in adult animals. HMGB2 facilitate the binding of Hox proteins, Oct proteins, p53, Rel proteins, and steroid hormone receptor proteins to their target gene promoters. Furthermore, HMGB2 interacts with RAG1 to facilitate RAG complex binding to the recombinant signal sequence (RSS) and stimulate DNA-bending and subsequent VDJ cleavage at antigen receptor genes. In addition to their functions in the nucleus, HMGB proteins play a significant role in extracellular signaling associated with inflammation. HMGB2 is secreted by myeloid cells and promotes proliferation and migration of endothelial cells by binding to the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE).
Cellular location
Cytoplasm, Nucleus, secreted