Overview:

RAC3 is a GTPase which belongs to the RHO family of small GTP-binding proteins that regulate a diverse array of cellular events, including the control of cell growth, cytoskeletal reorganization, and the activation of protein kinases. RAC3 is primarily expressed in brain and is proposed to play a specific function in neuronal cells. Depletion of RAC3 induces stronger cell adhesion and dramatically increases the outgrowth of neurite-like protrusions whereas overexpression of RAC3 results in a contractile round morphology (1). RAC3 can exert its function through negatively affecting integrin-mediated cell-matrix adhesions (2). RAC3 shares with RAC1 the ability to interfere with cadherin-mediated adhesion.

Gene Aliases:

None

Genbank Number:

NM_005052

References:

1.Hajdo-Milasinovic A, et al: Rac3 inhibits adhesion and differentiation of neuronal cells by modifying GIT1 downstream signaling. J Cell Sci. 2009 Jun 15;122(Pt 12):2127-36.

2.Lozano E, et al: PAK is required for the disruption of E-cadherin adhesion by the small GTPase Rac. J Cell Sci. 2008 Apr 1;121(Pt 7):933-8.