Double-stranded RNA-binding protein Staufen homolog 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the STAU2 gene. Staufen homolog 2 is a member of the family of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-binding proteins involved in the transport and/or localization of mRNAs to different subcellular compartments and/or organelles. These proteins are characterized by the presence of multiple dsRNA-binding domains which are required to bind RNAs having double-stranded secondary structures. Staufen homolog 2 shares 48.5% and 59.9% similarity with drosophila and human staufen, respectively. The exact function of Staufen homolog 2 is not known, but since it contains 3 copies of conserved dsRNA binding domain, it could be involved in double-stranded RNA binding events. Several transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq].
RNA-binding protein required for the microtubule-dependent transport of neuronal RNA from the cell body to the dendrite. As protein synthesis occurs within the dendrite, the localization of specific mRNAs to dendrites may be a prerequisite for neurite outgrowth and plasticity at sites distant from the cell body (By similarity).