Dedicator of cytokinesis protein 4 (DOCK4)

Dedicator of cytokinesis protein 4 (DOCK4) is a large cytoplasmic and membrane-associated guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), primarily functioning as an activator of small G proteins, including Rac and Rap1, by promoting the exchange of GDP for GTP[1][3][5]. It plays critical roles in cytoskeleton reorganization, cell migration, regulation of adherens junctions, and participates in cell signaling networks, including the Wnt pathway[1][3][4]. DOCK4 is a member of the DOCK-B subfamily within the DOCK family of GEFs and interacts with adaptor proteins such as ELMO and Crk for proper signaling and recruitment to the plasma membrane, affecting neuronal development and immune cell function[1][4]. Mutations and altered expression of DOCK4 have been associated with a variety of cancers (e.g., ovarian, prostate, glioma, colorectal, breast, liver, lung), and it serves as a prognostic biomarker in several malignancies, including stomach adenocarcinoma, where its expression correlates with immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment[3][4]. There are currently no approved therapeutic drugs directly targeting DOCK4; its status as a potential biomarker or therapeutic target is under investigation in oncology and immune response research[4].

Other names

KIAA0716FLJ34238dedicator of cytokinesis 4DOCK4dedicator of cytokinesis protein 4

Modulation of GTPase activity by acting as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rac and Rap1