Plays a pivotal role in cell survival by repairing damaged DNA in a p53/TP53-dependent manner. Supplies deoxyribonucleotides for DNA repair in cells arrested at G1 or G2. Contains an iron-tyrosyl free radical center required for catalysis. Forms an active ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) complex with RRM1 which is expressed both in resting and proliferating cells in response to DNA damage.
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm, Nucleus
Translocates from cytoplasm to nucleus in response to DNA damage.
Widely expressed at a high level in skeletal muscle and at a weak level in thymus. Expressed in epithelial dysplasias and squamous cell carcinoma.