Ras-related protein Rab-6D (RAB6D)

Ras-related protein Rab-6D (RAB6D) is a protein encoded by the RAB6D gene in humans[2][4][6]. It is a member of the Rab family of small GTPases, which are key regulators of intracellular vesicle trafficking, particularly associated with the Golgi apparatus[5]. RAB6D cycles between an inactive GDP-bound state and an active GTP-bound state, recruiting specific effectors responsible for vesicle formation, movement, and fusion[5][3]. Unlike other Rab6 isoforms, Rab6D is the most phylogenetically distant member, sharing substantial sequence identity with other Rab6 family proteins but having a distinct function[1]. Experimental studies show that Rab6D has an active and direct role in maintaining Golgi ribbon organization, and its knockdown or the use of GDP-locked mutants leads to Golgi fragmentation[1]. Rab6D interacts most strongly with dynactin 6 and syntaxin 8—key effectors influencing Golgi structure[1]. Expression profiling reveals RAB6D is found in a variety of tissues, including testis and other cell types[8]. Its function is essential for protein and membrane trafficking machinery within the cell. While implicated in cancer, no drugs or molecular therapies specifically target it at present[10].

Other names

RAB6CLWTH3DIRab6-like protein WTH3DIRab6c-like