Tcp11l2, also known as T-complex 11 like 2, is a protein with a serine-rich region in its N-terminal region. Its function was unclear, but studies have shed light on it. It is associated with muscle-derived satellite cell (MDSC) migration and differentiation processes, which are crucial for muscle development and repair [1].

In a study, it was found that TCP11L2 expression gradually increased during MDSC differentiation in vitro, peaking on Day 3 (the migration and fusion stage). Using CRISPR/dCas9 gene-editing technology to modulate its expression, TCP11L2 was shown to promote MDSC differentiation. Wound-healing assays indicated it also promoted MDSC migration during differentiation. Immunofluorescence analyses showed it was mainly distributed around microfilaments and microtubules. The expression of TCP11L2 affected the expression of the actin-related protein 2/3 (ARP2/3) complex. Co-immunoprecipitation assays and immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that TCP11L2 interacted with formin-like 2 (FMNL2), and FMNL2 promoted the migration of bovine MDSCs by affecting ARP2/3 expression. Inhibiting FMNL2 blocked the activities of TCP11L2 during MDSC differentiation and migration [1].

In conclusion, TCP11L2 plays an important role in promoting the migration and differentiation of muscle-derived satellite cells, likely through its interaction with FMNL2 and effects on the ARP2/3 complex. This understanding contributes to our knowledge of muscle-related biological processes, potentially providing insights into muscle-associated diseases or injuries [1].

References:

1. Li, Shuang, Wang, Zhiqi, Tong, Huili, Li, Shufeng, Yan, Yunqin. 2020. TCP11L2 promotes bovine skeletal muscle-derived satellite cell migration and differentiation via FMNL2. In Journal of cellular physiology, 235, 7183-7193. doi:10.1002/jcp.29617. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32017087/