Tex2, also known as REPRESSOR OF CYTOKININ DEFICIENCY1 (ROCK1) in Arabidopsis, is a gene with diverse functions. It encodes a lipid transfer protein containing an SMP domain conserved in metazoan and yeast, and is involved in multiple biological pathways. In animals, it is crucial for lysosomal functions at TMEM55-dependent ER membrane contact sites, while in plants, it plays a role in pollen exine formation [1,2].

In functional studies, Tex2 knockout in mice leads to defects in lysosomal trafficking, digestive capacity, and lipid composition of late endosome/lysosome (LE/lys) membranes, highlighting its importance in lysosomal functions [1]. In Arabidopsis, loss of TEX2 results in abnormal primexine formation, lack of primary exine elements, and failure of sporopollenin to correctly assemble into exine structures, disrupting pollen exine formation [2].

In conclusion, Tex2 is essential for lysosomal functions in animals and pollen exine formation in plants. Gene knockout models in both mice and Arabidopsis have significantly contributed to understanding its role in these specific biological processes, providing valuable insights into related cellular mechanisms and potential disease or plant development-related implications.