GNL2 is a nucleolar guanasine-triphosphate binding protein that is ubiquitously expressed at low levels in almost all tissues. GNL2 is involved in the crucial process of trafficking proteins out of the nucleus. Specifically, it is a GTPase that interacts with the 60s preribosomal subunit in the nucleus and facilitates export of the subunit into the cytoplasm. GTPases are responsible for the hydrolysis of GTP by way of a protein region dubbed the G domain. GTPases are often involved in the translocating proteins through membranes gleaning energy for the activity by hydrolizing GTP. GNL2 shares G domain homology and some functionality with nucleostemin (GNL3), another nuclear GTPase. Highest expression of GNL2 is found in testis.
