This gene encodes a member of the neuron navigator gene family, which may play a role in cellular growth and migration. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2011]
Function: NAV2 protein shows high similarity to Caenorhabditis elegans, unc-53, that is required for axonal elongation of mechanosensory neurons, suggesting that these proteins are orthologs. Thus, NAV2 may be involved in the vitamin A metabolite, atRA (all-trans retinoic acid)-mediated neurite outgrowth. NAV2 possesses 3' to 5' helicase activity and exonuclease activity and is involved in the development of different sensory organs.
Subcellular Location: Nuclear.
Tissue Specificity: Highly expressed in the brain, kidney and liver. Also expressed in the thyroid, mammary gland, spinal cord, heart, placenta and lung. Abundantly expressed in colon cancers.
Similarity: Belongs to the Nav/unc-53 family.
Contains 1 CH (calponin-homology) domain.
