Slc24a2, encoding a potassium-dependent sodium-calcium exchanger, is crucial for transporting metal ions across the cell membrane [1]. It is involved in intracellular calcium homeostasis, which is critical for various physiological functions [2]. Studies have associated it with multiple biological processes and diseases, highlighting its overall biological importance. Animal models can be valuable in further exploring its functions.

A new nonsynonymous single nucleotide variant in Slc24a2 was found in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, decreasing the protein stability, which may have potential clinical implications [1]. In neuropathic pain, SLC24A2 expression was downregulated in the spinal cord posterior horn in a chronic constriction injury model. Overexpression of SLC24A2 reduced hyperalgesia and inflammatory cytokine expression, and its decrease was regulated by miR-135a-5p [2]. In colon adenocarcinoma, the expression of Slc24a2 was used in constructing a prognostic model related to patient prognosis, mutation signature, immune cell infiltration, etc. [3].

In conclusion, Slc24a2 is essential for ion transport and calcium homeostasis. Research using models has revealed its roles in diseases such as pancreatic cancer, neuropathic pain, and colon adenocarcinoma, enhancing our understanding of disease mechanisms and potentially providing new therapeutic targets.

References:

1. Wang, Lei, Shao, Zhuo, Chen, Shiyue, Shi, Lu, Li, Zhaoshen. . A SLC24A2 Gene Variant Uncovered in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma by Whole Exome Sequencing. In The Tohoku journal of experimental medicine, 241, 287-295. doi:10.1620/tjem.241.287. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28413183/

2. Zhou, Xiao-Gang, He, Hui, Wang, Pei-Ji. 2020. A critical role for miR‑135a‑5p‑mediated regulation of SLC24A2 in neuropathic pain. In Molecular medicine reports, 22, 2115-2122. doi:10.3892/mmr.2020.11262. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32582988/

3. Jin, Mingpeng, Yin, Chun, Yang, Jie, Zhu, Jianjun, Yuan, Jian. 2024. Identification and validation of calcium extrusion-related genes prognostic signature in colon adenocarcinoma. In PeerJ, 12, e17582. doi:10.7717/peerj.17582. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39006025/