Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic subunit 3G (APOBEC3G) (APOBEC3G)

DNA dC->dU-editing enzyme APOBEC3G (Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic subunit 3G) is a member of the cytidine deaminase family and a key component of the innate immune response against retroviruses [2, 9]. Its primary function is to deaminate cytosine residues to uracil in single-stranded DNA intermediates during viral reverse transcription, which results in lethal G-to-A hypermutations in the viral genome [2, 12]. In HIV-1 infection, the viral protein Vif counteracts this defense by targeting APOBEC3G for proteasomal degradation, preventing its incorporation into virions [8, 12]. Beyond its antiviral role, APOBEC3G is implicated in various cancers, where its dysregulated activity can drive somatic mutagenesis, genomic instability, and tumor evolution [8, 13, 16]. This mutagenic potential can lead to increased clonal heterogeneity and the development of resistance to chemotherapy [13]. Therapeutic strategies currently under investigation include Vif inhibitors to restore APOBEC3G levels in HIV patients and small-molecule inhibitors to block its catalytic activity in oncology settings [7, 8, 13]. Genetic variants, such as the H186R polymorphism, also serve as important factors in disease progression and treatment response [17].

Other names

APOBEC3GA3GARCDARP9bK150C2.7MDS019Phorbolin-like protein 5CEM15DNA dC->dU-editing enzyme APOBEC-3G

Inhibition of Vif-mediated degradation to restore APOBEC3G levels; Direct inhibition of cytidine deaminase activity