RAB11A, Member RAS Oncogene Family Protein

Background

RAB11A, member RAS oncogene family (RAB11A) is a highly conserved small GTPase that is integral to regulating intracellular vesicle trafficking, particularly in the recycling of endosomal components and maintaining the integrity of the Golgi apparatus RAB11A is involved in several key processes, such as the recycling of internalized receptors back to the plasma membrane, which is essential for regulating cell surface protein levels and maintaining normal receptor function This function makes RAB11A crucial for cellular signaling, as it modulates the availability of signaling receptors on the cell surface, impacting processes like growth factor signaling, immune responses, and neurotransmitter receptor regulation Additionally, RAB11A contributes to the organization and function of the microtubule network, which is vital for cell division, polarity, and maintaining cellular structure It is also involved in the proper organization of the actin cytoskeleton, which is important for maintaining cell shape and facilitating cellular movements such as migration and adhesion RAB11A has been implicated in several diseases, including cancer, where dysregulated vesicular trafficking and altered receptor recycling contribute to tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapy Additionally, RAB11A’s role in the immune response and inflammatory signaling pathways makes it an important regulator of immune function Disruption in RAB11A’s activity can have significant consequences for cellular homeostasis, making it a critical factor in both healthy cellular processes and disease pathogenesis