Spermatogenesis associated 13 (SPATA13)

Spermatogenesis associated 13 (SPATA13) is a protein-coding gene encoding a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that activates small GTPases such as Rac1, RhoA, and Cdc42, orchestrating actin cytoskeletal rearrangements essential for cell migration and adhesion[1][2][4][5]. SPATA13 interacts with proteins like the tumor suppressor APC and modulates membrane dynamics, lamellipodia, and filopodia formation[1]. Its activity is regulated by post-translational modifications—phosphorylation at serine 106 notably alters its ability to activate Rac1 and affect cell movement[1]. SPATA13 is implicated in human disease, notably primary angle-closure glaucoma, cancer progression, and rare neuropsychiatric disorders[1][2][3][5]. Its expression is enriched in brain regions such as the central amygdala, where loss of SPATA13 affects social behaviors and voluntary activity in animal models[3].

Other names

Asef2ARHGEF29SPT13_HUMAN (UniProt name)

Not applicable/none reported. As of now, no drugs are noted to target SPATA13 directly, so mechanism by which drugs modulate its activity is undefined