RAS guanyl-releasing protein 1 is a
protein
Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, respo ...
that in humans is encoded by the ''RASGRP1''
gene
In biology, the word gene (from , ; "...Wilhelm Johannsen coined the word gene to describe the Mendelian units of heredity..." meaning ''generation'' or ''birth'' or ''gender'') can have several different meanings. The Mendelian gene is a ba ...
.
Function
RAS guanyl nucleotide-releasing protein (RASGRP) is a member of a family of genes characterized by the presence of a Ras superfamily guanine nucleotide exchange factor (
GEF
Gef ( ), also referred to as the Talking Mongoose or the Dalby Spook, was the name given to an allegedly talking mongoose which was claimed to inhabit a farmhouse owned by the Irving family. The Irvings' farm was located at Cashen's Gap near ...
) domain. It functions as a diacylglycerol (
DAG)-regulated nucleotide exchange factor specifically activating Ras through the exchange of bound
GDP
Gross domestic product (GDP) is a monetary measure of the market value of all the final goods and services produced and sold (not resold) in a specific time period by countries. Due to its complex and subjective nature this measure is often ...
for
GTP. It activates the
Erk/MAP kinase cascade and regulates
T-cell
A T cell is a type of lymphocyte. T cells are one of the important white blood cells of the immune system and play a central role in the adaptive immune response. T cells can be distinguished from other lymphocytes by the presence of a T-cell rec ...
s and
B-cell
B cells, also known as B lymphocytes, are a type of white blood cell of the lymphocyte subtype. They function in the humoral immunity component of the adaptive immune system. B cells produce antibody molecules which may be either secreted o ...
s development, homeostasis and differentiation.
Gene
Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been identified. The corresponding rat gene rbc7, which lacks a 5-prime exon, represents a 5-prime and 3-prime truncated version of a larger normal rat transcript that encodes a predicted 90-kD protein. This shorter transcript has not been found in humans.
Clinical significance
In November 2016 a 12-year-old patient was hospitalized for repetitive infections. Scientists have assumed that a genetic problem might be the reason. More specifically, the genetic cause is a defect of the RASGRP1 gene which makes it inactive. .
RASGRP1 plays a role in the functions of natural killer cell dyneins. Since dyneins are motor proteins, their function is to circulate the elements inside the cells. Dr. Orange's laboratory studies have established a functional link between the defects of natural killer cells and dyneins, which in combination with Other observations led doctors to try the drug lenalidommide to treat the patient. The drug was able to reverse certain effects of the mutation RASGRP1.
References
Further reading
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External links
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{{gene-15-stub
EF-hand-containing proteins