CYB561D2 (Cytochrome b561 domain-containing protein 2), also known as putative tumor suppressor protein 101F6, is a 222 amino acid highly hydrophobic protein that contains six membrane spanning domains. Localized to endosomes and endoplasmic reticulum of the perinuclear region, CYB561D2 contains 2 heme-binding sites, through which it reduces ferric ions. CYB561D2 is ubiquitously expressed, with highest levels in lung, liver and kidney. Though expression of CYB561D2 is abundant in normal lung bronchial epithileal cells, CYB561D2 is absent in most lung cancers. The gene encoding CYB561D2 maps to human chromosome 3p21.3, a region that is prone to genetic alterations and is associated with frequent and early allele loss in many human cancers. Exogenous expression of CYB561D2 leads to the induction of caspase-independent apoptotic and autophagic pathways, resulting in the synergistic killing of tumor cells. This suggests an important role for CYB561D2 as a therapeutic intervention in cancer treatment.