RAB11-binding protein RELCH (RELCH)

RAB11-binding protein RELCH (also known as KIAA1468) is a large intracellular protein that functions as a selective Rab11 effector. RELCH contains LisH, coiled-coil, and HEAT repeat domains, enabling it to interact directly with the small GTPase Rab11 (mainly Rab11a and Rab11b) and with oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP). Co-localizing at recycling endosomes, RELCH tethers these Rab11-positive membranes to the trans-Golgi network by bridging interactions with OSBP, thus facilitating the nonvesicular transport of cholesterol from recycling endosomes to the TGN. Genetic depletion studies in cell models demonstrate that RELCH is essential for normal intracellular cholesterol trafficking but is not directly implicated in broader vesicle transport or endocytosis. No evidence currently supports a direct therapeutic targeting role for RELCH, nor are there established pharmacologic agents or biomarkers related to this protein. Disease associations are limited but may include familial expansile osteolysis and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma via genetic database annotation.

Other names

RAB11 binding and LisH domain, coiled-coil and HEAT repeat containingKIAA1468HsT885HsT3308FLJ33841LisH domain and HEAT repeat-containing protein KIAA1468RAB11-binding protein containing LisH, coiled-coil, and HEAT repeatsRAB11-binding protein RELCH