Recombinant human RAC3 protein (Active)

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

The protein RAC3 also known as p21-activated kinase 3 or PAK3 is a member of the Rho family of small GTPases. RAC3 has an approximate mass of 22 kDa. This protein functions as a molecular switch that cycles between an active GTP-bound state and an inactive GDP-bound state regulating a variety of cellular processes. RAC3 is expressed in many tissues with prominent expression in the brain muscle and heart. It plays a significant role in controlling the actin cytoskeleton influencing cell shape motility and growth.

Biological function summary

RAC3 influences cell signaling pathways by interacting with other proteins and forming complexes. It participates in the regulation of a variety of physiological processes including cell polarity migration and growth. RAC3 interacts with proteins such as PAK which is important for the phosphorylation of substrates involved in actin reorganization. This activity allows RAC3 to coordinate with other cellular components affecting processes like the migration of neurons during development and immune cell responses.

Pathways

RAC3 is involved in the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. These pathways play important roles in cell proliferation survival and differentiation. Through the MAPK/ERK pathway RAC3 interacts with proteins like Ras and Raf facilitating the signaling cascade that leads to gene expression changes. In the PI3K/AKT pathway RAC3 contributes to cellular survival and metabolism by interacting with PI3K and AKT promoting pathway signaling important for maintaining cell health under stress.

RAC3 has been linked to cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders. Its role in actin cytoskeleton dynamics and cell signaling makes it relevant in the progression of cancers where its overexpression can enhance metastatic capabilities. RAC3 has connections with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) which enhances proliferative signals in tumor cells. In neurodevelopmental disorders alterations in RAC3 function can impact neuronal migration and brain development. This connection involves RAC3's interplay with proteins such as PAK3 influencing synaptic development and cognitive functions.