Aspartate Beta Hydroxylase Domain Containing Protein 2 (ASPHD2)

ASPHD2 belongs to the aspartyl/asparaginyl beta-hydroxylase family. This gene is thought to play an important role in calcium homeostasis. Alternative splicing of this gene results in five transcript variants which vary in protein translation, the coding of catalytic domains, and tissue expression. Variation among these transcripts impacts their functions which involve roles in the calcium storage and release process in the endoplasmic and sarcoplasmic reticulum as well as hydroxylation of aspartic acid and asparagine in epidermal growth factor-like domains of various proteins. Enhanced AAH gene activity is a common feature of human HCC and growth factor signaling through IRS-1 regulates AAH expression and increases motility and invasion of HCC cells. Therefore, AAH may represent an important target for regulating tumor growth in vivo.