The function of Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000121481 (RNF2, ring finger protein 2) is as follows. E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase that mediates monoubiquitination of 'Lys-119' of histone H2A (H2AK119Ub), thereby playing a central role in histone code and gene regulation (PubMed:15386022, PubMed:16359901, PubMed:21772249, PubMed:25355358, PubMed:25519132, PubMed:26151332, PubMed:33864376). H2AK119Ub gives a specific tag for epigenetic transcriptional repression and participates in X chromosome inactivation of female mammals. May be involved in the initiation of both imprinted and random X inactivation (By similarity). Essential component of a Polycomb group (PcG) multiprotein PRC1-like complex, a complex class required to maintain the transcriptionally repressive state of many genes, including Hox genes, throughout development (PubMed:16359901, PubMed:26151332). PcG PRC1 complex acts via chromatin remodeling and modification of histones, rendering chromatin heritably changed in its expressibility (PubMed:26151332). E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase activity is enhanced by BMI1/PCGF4 (PubMed:21772249). Acts as the main E3 ubiquitin ligase on histone H2A of the PRC1 complex, while RING1 may rather act as a modulator of RNF2/RING2 activity (Probable). Association with the chromosomal DNA is cell-cycle dependent. In resting B- and T-lymphocytes, interaction with AURKB leads to block its activity, thereby maintaining transcription in resting lymphocytes (By similarity). Also acts as a negative regulator of autophagy by mediating ubiquitination of AMBRA1, leading to its subsequent degradation (By similarity). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q9CQJ4, ECO:0000269|PubMed:11513855, ECO:0000269|PubMed:15386022, ECO:0000269|PubMed:16359901, ECO:0000269|PubMed:16714294, ECO:0000269|PubMed:20696397, ECO:0000269|PubMed:21772249, ECO:0000269|PubMed:25355358, ECO:0000269|PubMed:25519132, ECO:0000269|PubMed:26151332, ECO:0000269|PubMed:33864376, ECO:0000305}.