Nrg2-flox Mouse

Nrg2, a member of the neuregulin family, belongs to the EGF family of growth factors. It contains a receptor-binding EGF-like domain, which can bind to cellular receptors such as HER3 and trigger intracellular signaling cascades. NRG2 is involved in multiple biological processes including cell growth, migration, and regeneration [1,2,3,4].

In prostate regeneration, mesenchymal cells secrete Nrg2 in an androgen-driven manner, which acts in a paracrine fashion on luminal cells to contribute to prostate regeneration [2]. In gliomas, NRG2 is expressed to varying extents and promotes the migration of glioma cells in vitro, suggesting that targeting NRG2 signaling may reverse glioma cell metastasis [3]. In breast cancer, NRG2 acts as a tumor suppressor factor. Its low expression is related to poor survival rate, and knockdown of NRG2 promotes cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, along with changes in autophagy and epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers [5]. NRG2 gene fusions are molecular features in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), enhancing ectopic expression of the NRG/ErbB receptor-ligand and inducing downstream pathways, which may serve as novel markers for biological therapy targeting ErbB2/ErbB3 [4].

In conclusion, Nrg2 plays essential roles in processes like tissue regeneration and cancer-related behaviors. Studies on Nrg2, especially through functional studies in disease-relevant models, help us understand its complex functions in normal biological processes and disease conditions such as prostate regeneration, glioma migration, breast cancer progression, and NSCLC development.