NUCB2: roles in physiology and pathology

Nucleobindin2 (NUCB2) is a member of nucleobindin family which was first found in the nucleus of the hypothalamus, and had a relationship in diet and energy homeostasis. Its location in normal tissues such as stomach and islet further confirms that it plays a vital role in the regulation of physiological functions of the body. Besides, NUCB2 participates in tumorigenesis through activating various signal-pathways, more and more studies indicate that NUCB2 might impact tumor progression by promoting or inhibiting proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, metastasis, and invasion of tumor cells. In this review, we comprehensively stated NUCB2's expression and functions, and introduced the role of NUCB2 in physiology and pathology and its mechanism. What is more, pointed out the potential direction of future research.