Exocyst complex component 1 (EXOC1)

Exocyst complex component 1 (EXOC1), also known as SEC3, is a conserved protein that serves as a core subunit of the exocyst complex, an octameric protein complex essential for the directed tethering and docking of post-Golgi exocytic vesicles to the plasma membrane, thus facilitating polarized exocytosis and the spatial delivery of lipids and membrane proteins[1][2][5][6]. EXOC1 acts as a spatial landmark at the plasma membrane, orchestrating vesicle traffic in concert with cytoskeletal machinery, and is necessary for processes requiring cellular polarization and membrane remodeling, including epithelial polarity, cell-cell adhesion, migration, morphogenesis, and tissue homeostasis[1][2][3][5][6][7]. In addition, EXOC1 is essential for specific developmental functions such as pseudopod formation in spermatogonia, syncytia formation in spermatocytes, and oocyte growth, acting through mechanisms involving Rho GTPases and SNARE complexes in coordination with actin remodeling[3][7]. Disruption in EXOC1 has been implicated in human diseases such as developmental syndromes, certain cancers (where mutations or altered expression are observed), primary cilia-related disorders, and infertility in animal models[1][3][4][7]. EXOC1 also has antiviral effects by interfering with flavivirus replication in cells[5]. No approved or investigational therapeutics directly target EXOC1, and it is not classified as a classical drug target (e.g., receptor, enzyme, transporter, etc.); its main biological role is as an infrastructure component in intracellular membrane trafficking.

Other names

SEC3SEC3L1BM-102SEC3PFLJ10893