Poly（ADP-Ribose) Polymerase 2（PARP2) contains a catalytic domain which is homologous to that of poly（ADP-ribosyl) transferase but lacks an N-terminal DNA binding domain which activates the C-terminal catalytic domain of poly（ADP-ribosyl) transferase. PARP2 is capable of catalyzing a poly（ADP-ribosyl)ation reaction. The basic residues within the N-terminal area of this protein can bear potential DNA-binding properties， and can be engaged in the nuclear and/or nucleolar targeting of the protein. There has been found two alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms.
