Spermatogenesis-associated protein 13
Domain
The C-terminal tail is required for its GEF activity.
Function
Acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for RHOA, RAC1 and CDC42 GTPases. Regulates cell migration and adhesion assembly and disassembly through a RAC1, PI3K, RHOA and AKT1-dependent mechanism. Increases both RAC1 and CDC42 activity, but decreases the amount of active RHOA. Required for MMP9 up-regulation via the JNK signaling pathway in colorectal tumor cells. Involved in tumor angiogenesis and may play a role in intestinal adenoma formation and tumor progression.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed at high levels in the placenta, spleen and kidney, at moderate levels in lung, small intestine, liver, brain and heart, and at low levels in skeletal muscle. Expression is aberrantly enhanced in most colorectal tumors.
Cellular localization
- Cytoplasm
- Cell projection
- Filopodium
- Cell projection
- Lamellipodium
- Cell projection
- Ruffle membrane
- Cell projection
- Podosome
- Accumulates in the lamellipodium and ruffle membrane in response to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) treatment. Localized to the core of myotube podosomes (By similarity).
Alternative names
Spermatogenesis-associated protein 13, APC-stimulated guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2, Asef2, SPATA13