The NUDT2 gene encodes the NUDIX Hydrolase 2 enzyme, also known as AP4A hydrolase. This protein possesses a modification of the MutT sequence motif and hence belongs to the MutT family of nucleotide pyrophosphatases. These enzymes are a subset of the larger NUDIX family of nucleotide hydrolases that function to eliminate toxic nucleotide metabolites from the cell. The specific function of NUDT2 is to asymmetrically hydrolyze AP4A resulting in AMP and ATP, thereby maintaining the intracellular level of AP4A. It is also suggested that NUDT2 may be a candidate tumor suppressor gene.