DENN domain-containing protein 3 (DENND3)

DENN domain-containing protein 3 (DENND3) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that specifically activates the small GTPase Rab12, a key regulator of intracellular membrane trafficking. DENND3 controls trafficking events between recycling endosomes and lysosomes, promoting degradation of receptors such as the transferrin receptor and modulating nutrient transporter PAT4, thereby influencing autophagic flux and metabolic pathways. Phosphorylation by kinases such as ULK1/2 and at specific tyrosine residues modulates its activity, particularly during starvation-induced autophagy. DENND3 is associated with pathological conditions including certain cancers and Hirschsprung disease. At the molecular level, it functions mainly in membrane dynamics, autophagy initiation, signal transduction, and protein trafficking[1][2][3][4][5][6].

Other names

DENND3KIAA0870DENN/MADD domain containing 3

Activation of Rab12 by facilitating GDP-GTP exchange\nUpregulation via phosphorylation-dependent conformational changes