Toward specific functions of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-2

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-2 (PARP-2) belongs to a family of enzymes that catalyze poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of proteins. PARP-1 and PARP-2 are so far the only PARP enzymes whose catalytic activity has been shown to be induced by DNA-strand breaks, providing strong support for key shared functions in the cellular response to DNA damage. Accordingly, clinical trials for cancer, using PARP inhibitors that target the conserved catalytic domain of PARP proteins, are now ongoing. However, recent data suggest unique functions for PARP-2 in specific processes, such as genome surveillance, spermatogenesis, adipogenesis and T cell development. Understanding these physiological roles might provide invaluable clues to the rational development and exploitation of specific PARP-2 inhibitor drugs in a clinical setting and the design of new therapeutic approaches in different pathophysiological conditions.