Neuron navigator 3 (NAV3)

Neuron navigator 3 (NAV3) is a large multidomain protein, highly conserved across species, and part of the navigator family. It binds microtubules at their growing tips (+TIP), facilitating polarized growth of microtubules and directional cell migration. NAV3 enhances cell adhesion to migration paths and suppresses random migration, thereby inhibiting cancer cell metastasis and promoting normal tissue development. In neurons, NAV3 is critical for axon formation, neuronal migration, and cytoskeletal reorganization. Pathogenic variants impair microtubule stabilization, resulting in intellectual disability and developmental defects. NAV3 is also implicated in immune cell regulation and organ morphogenesis, including the liver and heart.

Other names

KIAA0938POMFIL1Steerin-3unc53H3Pore membrane and/or filament-interacting-like protein 1Unc-53 homolog 3NEDSFB

For potential drugs: Restoration or stabilization of NAV3 function may stabilize microtubules, inhibit random migration and invasion, suppress metastasis, and regulate apoptosis in cancer cells. Experimental: Knockdown or mutation impairs microtubule stabilization and disrupts normal migration, invasion, and morphogenesis.