DYNC1LI2, also known as dynein, cytoplasmic 1 light intermediate chain 2, is a subunit of the dynein motor protein complex. It plays a crucial role in retrograde transport by being part of the cargo-binding complex. The protein is involved in multiple cellular pathways, including endolysosomal dynamics, chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), and membrane-trafficking processes, which are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis [1,2,3]. Genetic models, such as knockout or knockdown models, can be valuable for studying its functions in vivo.

In cystinosis, a lysosomal storage disorder, DYNC1LI2 is downregulated. Reconstitution of DYNC1LI2 expression in ctns-/-cells re-established endolysosomal dynamics, rescued defective vesicular trafficking, decreased endoplasmic reticulum stress, and improved mitochondrial function. It also rescued the localization of the CMA receptor LAMP2A and CMA activity in cystinotic proximal tubule cells. These effects were not seen with its paralog DYNC1LI1 [1]. In addition, depletion of DYNC1LI2 in mammalian cells led to a defect in recycling endosome distribution and cytokinesis, suggesting its specific role in these membrane-trafficking steps [3].

In conclusion, DYNC1LI2 is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis through its involvement in various cellular processes. Studies using gene-knockout models, like in cystinosis, have revealed its significance in endolysosomal and mitochondrial function, as well as in CMA. Understanding DYNC1LI2 functions provides insights into the mechanisms underlying lysosomal storage disorders and membrane-trafficking-related diseases.