Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-2: emerging transcriptional roles of a DNA-repair protein

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-2 is a nuclear enzyme that belongs to the PARP family and PARP-2 is responsible for 5-15 % of total cellular PARP activity. PARP-2 was originally described in connection to DNA repair and in physiological and pathophysiological processes associated with genome maintenance (e.g., centromere and telomere protection, spermiogenesis, thymopoiesis, azoospermia, and tumorigenesis). Recent reports have identified important rearrangements in gene expression upon the knockout of PARP-2. Such rearrangements heavily impact inflammation and metabolism. Metabolic effects are mediated through modifying PPARγ and SIRT1 function. Altered gene expression gives rise to a complex phenotype characterized primarily by enhanced mitochondrial activity that results both in beneficial (loss of fat, enhanced insulin sensitivity) and in disadvantageous (pancreatic beta cell hypofunction upon high fat feeding) consequences. Enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis provides protection in oxidative stress-related diseases. Hereby, we review the recent developments in PARP-2 research with special attention to the involvement of PARP-2 in transcriptional and metabolic regulation.