Ras-related protein Rab-3B (RAB3B)

Ras-related protein Rab-3B (RAB3B) is a member of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases involved in the regulation of intracellular vesicle trafficking and exocytosis, especially in the brain, endocrine, and certain peripheral tissues[1][2][10]. RAB3B is highly expressed in synaptic vesicles and modulates the synaptic vesicle cycle, dopamine uptake, and secretion processes, serving important roles in neurotransmitter release and hormone trafficking[3][6][7]. Rab3B binds GDP/GTP, possesses GTPase activity, interacts with effector proteins such as RIM1α and RIM2α, and contributes to long-term synaptic plasticity—including inhibitory synapse long-term depression (i-LTD) in the hippocampus—linked to behavioral adaptation and memory[5]. RAB3B expression is dysregulated in multiple cancer types and shows promise as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker[4]. Emerging research suggests it is a potentially novel therapeutic target in oncology and neuroscience, but there are currently no known approved drugs that directly modulate its activity[2][4][10].

Other names

Ras-related protein Rab-3BRAB3Bbrain antigen RAB3BRAB3B, member RAS oncogene family

Drugs targeting Rab3B would likely function by modulating synaptic vesicle trafficking, neurotransmitter release, or exocytosis processes; however, no approved drugs or chemical probes are yet known to interact directly and specifically with RAB3B[2][4].