Functions as an intracellular leucine sensor that negatively regulates the mTORC1 signaling pathway through the GATOR complex (    , ). In absence of leucine, binds the GATOR subcomplex GATOR2 and prevents mTORC1 signaling (    , ). Binding of leucine to SESN2 disrupts its interaction with GATOR2 thereby activating the TORC1 signaling pathway (  ). This stress-inducible metabolic regulator also plays a role in protection against oxidative and genotoxic stresses. May negatively regulate protein translation in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress, via mTORC1 . May positively regulate the transcription by NFE2L2 of genes involved in the response to oxidative stress by facilitating the SQSTM1-mediated autophagic degradation of KEAP1 . May also mediate TP53 inhibition of TORC1 signaling upon genotoxic stress . Moreover, may prevent the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the alkylhydroperoxide reductase activity born by the N-terminal domain of the protein . Was originally reported to contribute to oxidative stress resistance by reducing PRDX1 . However, this could not be confirmed .
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm
Widely expressed.