ELAV Like Protein 2 (ELAVL2)

ELAVL2 is a neural-specific RNA-binding protein that is known to bind to several 3' UTRs, including its own and also that of FOS and ID. The encoded protein may recognize a GAAA motif in the RNA. Three transcript variants encoding two different isoforms have been found for this gene.

The human cDNA, symbolized ELAVL2 for 'embryonic lethal abnormal vision-like 2,' encodes a predicted 359-amino acid protein that shows significant similarity to the product of the Drosophila elav gene, the absence of which causes multiple structural defects and hypotrophy of the fly's central nervous system. In situ hybridization of rat tissues demonstrated that the mRNA occurs within a subset of neurons of the hippocampus, cortex, and other areas of the gray matter.