MBD2 belongs to a larger family of methyl-CpG binding proteins, including MBD1, MBD3, MBD4, and MeCP2, which interact with methylated DNA and contribute to gene silencing. MBD proteins show notable expression in somatic tissues, highlighting their significance in tissue-specific gene regulation. MBD2 plays a crucial role in gene expression regulation through DNA methylation, a key epigenetic modification that influences transcriptional activity. MBD2 binds to methylated DNA, particularly at CpG sites, and recruits histone deacetylases, which contribute to transcription repression. This function maintains cellular identity and regulates developmental processes, as DNA methylation pattern abnormalities can lead to various diseases, including cancer.