Deleted in liver cancer 1 Rho GTPase activating protein (DLC1)

Deleted in liver cancer 1 Rho GTPase activating protein (DLC1) is an enzyme that functions as a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for Rho family GTPases, especially RhoA, RhoB, RhoC, and to a lesser extent Cdc42[1][2][3]. It acts as a tumor suppressor by inactivating these small GTPases, thereby negatively regulating signal transduction pathways controlling actin cytoskeleton organization, cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis[1][2][3]. DLC1 contains several domains, including a sterile alpha motif (SAM), a serine-rich (SR) region, a Rho-GAP domain, and a lipid-transfer (START) domain[3]. It localizes mainly to focal adhesions and is essential for proper control of cytoskeletal structure and cellular motility. Loss or inactivation of DLC1 is commonly observed in multiple malignancies, contributing to increased cell growth, migration, and tumor progression[2][3]. No direct pharmacological agents act on DLC1, but its absence or reduction is a relevant biomarker in cancer diagnosis and prognosis[2][3].

Other names

Deleted in liver cancer 1StAR-related lipid transfer protein 12 (STARD12)DLC-1Rho GTPase-activating protein 7RHG07

Drugs would primarily act by restoring or enhancing DLC1 function, by inhibiting its negative regulators, or via synthetic lethality, but no direct drugs against DLC1 are clinically established[2][3].