Ras-related protein Rab-7L1 (RAB29)

Ras-related protein Rab-7L1 (RAB29) is a **small GTPase** of the Rab family involved in regulating intracellular vesicle trafficking, particularly from the endosome to the Golgi apparatus and lysosome, and in maintaining the structural integrity of these organelles[1][3]. RAB29 plays a crucial role in recruiting and activating the kinase LRRK2, a key protein implicated in **Parkinson's disease pathogenesis**[2][4]. When overexpressed or under lysosomal stress, RAB29 translocates to lysosomes, regulates LRRK2 localization and kinase activity, and is itself a substrate for phosphorylation by LRRK2 and PKCs. RAB29's function has also been linked to T cell receptor signaling, phagocytosis, and the intracellular trafficking required for bacterial toxin transport (e.g., in Salmonella infection)[3][6]. Genetic variants in RAB29 are associated with susceptibility to familial forms of Parkinson's disease and influence lysosome and Golgi-related stress responses[1][2][4]. No drugs currently target RAB29 directly, but it is considered a promising **therapeutic target** through its regulation of LRRK2 and protein trafficking relevant to neurodegeneration.

Other names

RAB29RAB7L1Rab-7-like protein 1RAB7LRas-related protein Rab-29ras-related protein Rab-7L1rab-7-like protein 1RAB7, member RAS oncogene family-like 1RAB7L_HUMANRab29

No drugs directly target RAB29, but its modulation affects LRRK2 kinase activity; LRRK2 kinase inhibitors reduce pathogenic phosphorylation of Rab substrates in Parkinson's disease[2][4]