Dynactin subunit 2

Dynactin subunit 2 (DCTN2) is a 401-amino-acid protein that functions as a component of the dynactin complex, which activates cytoplasmic dynein for processive microtubule-based transport. Within the dynactin shoulder domain, it binds the ACTR1A filament and regulates dynein interaction with organelles, contributing to chromosome alignment, spindle organization during mitosis, and microtubule anchoring at centrosomes (UniProt: Q13561). The protein may also support synapse formation during brain development.

DCTN2 is implicated in Alzheimer's disease pathology. Analysis of post-mortem AD brain tissue versus age-matched controls using quantitative proteomics (TMT-labeled, DDA across four subcellular fractions) revealed an ambiguous regulation pattern across fractions, with a mean log2 fold-change of −0.11 (Chaparral AD proteomics). This modest, directionally inconsistent change suggests DCTN2 abundance may be variably altered depending on subcellular compartment, though overall protein levels show minimal net change in AD brain.