Guanine nucleotide-binding protein-like 3 (nucleostemin) (GNL3)

Guanine nucleotide-binding protein-like 3 (nucleostemin) (GNL3) is a highly conserved nucleolar GTP-binding protein found in eukaryotes, including humans, and encoded by the GNL3 gene. It belongs to the TRAFAC YlqF/YawG GTPase family and is characterized by domains critical for GTP binding and ribosome maturation. GNL3 is predominantly expressed in stem cells and cancer cells, where it is essential for maintaining cell proliferation, self-renewal, cell cycle progression, genome stability, and ribosomal biogenesis. It regulates cell differentiation and is considered a marker for both stem cells and cancer cells. GNL3 interacts with key proteins such as p53 and Mdm2, and dysregulation or dysfunction is associated with several human diseases, most notably various cancers and Diamond-Blackfan anemia. Its expression and activity are crucial for stem cell function in both development and tissue regeneration, making it an important target in cancer and stem cell research, as well as in regenerative and reproductive medicine.

Other names

NucleosteminNSE2IG3NNP47C77032Nug1Novel nucleolar protein 47Nucleolar GTP-binding protein 3Estradiol-induced nucleotide binding proteinG protein nucleolar 3Guanine nucleotide binding protein-like 3E2-induced gene 3 protein

Mechanisms of action for drugs targeting GNL3 not defined in sources; inferred roles likely relate to inhibition of cell proliferation or disruption of ribosome biogenesis if targeted.