RAB39A: a Rab small GTPase with a prominent role in cancer stemness

J Biochem. 2018 Jul 1;164(1):9-14. doi: 10.1093/jb/mvy041.

Abstract

RAB39A is a Rab small GTPase that localizes at distinct subcellular compartments and regulates intracellular membrane trafficking pathways in vertebrate cells. RAB39A interacts with various molecules and modulates vesicular trafficking that regulates multiple biological pathways such as neuronal differentiation and/or autophagy. Among these pathways are Hippo and Notch signallings, microtubular organization and mitophagy/autophagy. Although RAB39A has never been studied in cancer biology, it has been recently shown to promote cancer stemness and tumorigenesis. Molecular pathways regulated by RAB39A are transcriptionally maintained by the formation of molecular complex with RXRB, NCOR and HDAC that also contribute to cancer stemness. In this review, we provide current knowledge on the oncogenic function of RAB39A and summarize the effect of different microenvironments on RAB39A activity and subcellular localization in cancer cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / enzymology*
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / pathology*
  • Neuroblastoma / enzymology
  • Neuroblastoma / pathology
  • Tumor Microenvironment
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • RAB39A protein, human
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins