FAF2

FAF2, full name Fas associated factor family member 2, has main aliases ETEA, UBXD8 and UBXN3B. As a UBX domain-containing protein, it mediates ERAD for ubiquitin-dependent degradation of misfolded ER proteins, and inhibits PNPL2 to block lipid droplet degradation. It modulates IGF1R signaling by regulating receptor expression, and participates in Rho GTPase and innate immune signaling pathways, also regulating cellular lipotoxic stress responses.
FAF2 dysregulation links to atopic dermatitis, lung and breast cancer with poor prognosis, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. Its abnormal expression correlates with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. No clinical drugs target FAF2 yet; preclinical research explores its modulation for lipid metabolic disorders and cancer, with its role in ERAD as a potential therapeutic direction for related diseases.