Pumilio 2 is a sequence-specific RNA-binding protein that regulates translation and mRNA stability by binding mRNA targets. It supports proliferation and self-renewal of stem cells by regulating the translation of key transcripts. The Pumilio gene encodes proteins that are required for development of germ stem cells in one or both sexes. The Pumilio protein interacts with the human Nanos1 protein and this interaction may play a conserved role in germ cell development. Pumilio 2 is highly expressed in testis and ovary and at lower levels in brain, heart, kidney, liver, muscle, placenta, intestine and stomach. It is also expressed in stem cells, germ cells and in most fetal tissues.
