Piwi Like Protein 2 (PIWIL2)

PIWIL2 belongs to the Argonaute family of proteins, which function in development and maintenance of germline stem cells. Like all other Argonaute family members, PIWIL2 contains a central PAZ motif and a C-terminal PIWI motif. PCR analysis of adult and fetal tissues detected PIWIL2 only in adult testis.PIWIL2 was also expressed in human and mouse tumors of various tissues. Overexpression of mouse Piwil2 in a fibroblast cell line increased Bclxl expression, which correlated with increased Stat3 expression and cell transformation. Piwil2 silencing via small interfering RNA suppressed Stat3 and Bclxl expression and induced apoptosis.PIWIL2 acts as an oncogene by inhibiting apoptosis and promoting proliferation via a STAT3/BCLXL signaling pathway.