RuvB Like Protein 2 (RUVBL2)

RUVBL2 encodes the second human homologue of the bacterial RuvB gene. Bacterial RuvB protein is a DNA helicase essential for homologous recombination and DNA double-strand break repair. However, the evidence for whether RUVBL2 has DNA helicase activity is contradictory. This gene is physically linked to the CGB/LHB gene cluster on chromosome 19q13.3, and is very close (55 nt) to the LHB gene, in the opposite orientation.

The deduced 463-amino acid protein contains Walker A and B motifs and is highly similar structurally to other TIP49 family proteins, including TIP49A (RUVBL1). Western blot analysis revealed that, similar to RUVBL1, RUVBL2 is ubiquitously expressed, with highest levels in testis and thymus.