HEAT repeat-containing protein 3 (HEATR3)

HEAT repeat-containing protein 3 (HEATR3) is a multidomain scaffolding protein defined by its multiple HEAT repeats―alpha-helical motifs that mediate protein-protein interactions and enable its role as an adapter or receptor[1][3][5]. Functionally, HEATR3 serves as a selective autophagy receptor in human cells, identifying cytoplasmic membranes damaged by pathogens or stress and targeting them for lysosomal degradation via the autophagy pathway, critical for host defense and innate immune signaling[2]. Additionally, HEATR3 is essential for the nuclear import of certain ribosomal proteins (notably uL18/RPL5) and the assembly of the ribosomal large subunit; mutations in HEATR3 can cause a Diamond-Blackfan anemia-like disorder with erythroid failure, developmental delay, and increased cancer risk[4][6]. The protein therefore plays intersecting roles in cellular immunity, ribosome biogenesis, and hematopoietic development, but is not currently a direct target of therapeutic intervention.

Other names

HEATR3hsSyo1FLJ20718Symportin Syo1DBA21SYO1Symportin 1

Not applicable—no clinically relevant drugs directly target HEATR3 reported. However, HEATR3 acts as a receptor facilitating LC3 recruitment to damaged or bacterial membranes, promoting autophagy[2].