Proteins containing PDZ domains have been shown frequently to bind the C-termini of transmembrane receptors or ion channels. They have also been shown to bind to other PDZ domain proteins and could possibly be involved in intracellular signalling. The protein encoded by this gene contains six PDZ domains and shares sequence similarity with pro-interleukin-16 (pro-IL-16). Like pro-IL-16, the encoded protein localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and is thought to be cleaved by a caspase to produce a secreted peptide containing two PDZ domains. In addition, this gene is upregulated in primary prostate tumors and may be involved in the early stages of prostate tumorigenesis.[6]
Chaib H, Rubin MA, Mucci NR, Li L, Day ML, Rhim JS, Macoska JA (2001). "Activated in prostate cancer: a PDZ domain-containing protein highly expressed in human primary prostate tumors". Cancer Res. 61 (6): 2390–4. PMID11289102.
Ma RY, Tam TS, Suen AP, Yeung PM, Tsang SW, Chung SK, Thomas MK, Leung PS, Yao KM (2006). "Secreted PDZD2 exerts concentration-dependent effects on the proliferation of INS-1E cells". Int. J. Biochem. Cell Biol. 38 (5–6): 1015–22. doi:10.1016/j.biocel.2005.11.012. PMID16413998.