Engulfment and cell motility protein 3 (ELMO3)

Engulfment and cell motility protein 3 is a member of the ELMO protein family, acting as an adaptor that regulates cellular movement and actin cytoskeletal dynamics through the activation of Rac1 via interaction with DOCK-family GEFs (guanine nucleotide exchange factors)[1][2][4][6]. It is homologous to CED-12 in C. elegans and is involved in processes such as phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and cell migration[1][2][4][6]. In human physiology, ELMO3 expression is tightly regulated and, when upregulated, can contribute to cancer cell migration, invasion, and proliferation through enhanced actin polymerization[3][6]. Although less studied than its paralogs ELMO1 and ELMO2, ELMO3 has been implicated as a pathogenic factor in both oncogenic processes and neurodevelopmental disorders caused by biallelic mutations[2][3][6]. There are currently no known drugs or mechanisms targeting ELMO3 directly, nor is it established as a therapeutic target; instead, it is regarded as a critical signalling adaptor influencing cell morphology and pathogenesis[2][4][6].

Other names

CED12FLJ13824CED-12ELMO-3ced-12 homolog 3