Nuclear Localized Factor 2 (NLF2)

NLF2 encodes a 364-amino acid protein. NLF1 and NLF2 share 75% identity in their C-terminal 291 residues, which contain extensive arginine-rich regions. NLF1, NLF2, and KIAA1957 (NLF3) contain 2 homologous domains, one of which is 100% identical among the 3 proteins and contains a predicted nuclear localization sequence. NLF2 and its mouse ortholog share 56% amino acid homology. Lactacystin treatment of HMVECs abrogated the upregulation of NLF2 in response to IL1B, confirming the role of NF-kappa-B (NFKB) in regulating NLF2 expression. Quantitative PCR showed NLF2 gene expression predominantly in endothelial cells; immunofluorescence analysis showed that transfected NLF2 localized to the nucleus in COS-7 cells, HeLa cells, and HMVECs.