RAB11B

RAB11B is a gene that encodes a protein belonging to the Rab family of small GTPases, which are key regulators of intracellular vesicle trafficking. Specifically, RAB11B plays a crucial role in controlling the recycling of endosomes to the plasma membrane, thereby influencing processes such as receptor recycling, membrane dynamics, and cellular signaling pathways.

The RAB11B protein functions by cycling between active GTP-bound and inactive GDP-bound states, which regulate its interaction with various effector proteins. This cycling is essential for the proper sorting and movement of vesicles within the cell. RAB11B is closely related to RAB11A, with which it shares significant sequence homology and overlapping functions, although evidence suggests some functional distinctions depending on the cell type and context.

Research indicates that RAB11B is involved in diverse cellular activities, including the regulation of immune responses, cell growth, and differentiation. It has also been implicated in the trafficking of recycling endosomes that transport membrane proteins and lipids, maintaining cellular homeostasis. Dysregulation of RAB11B expression or function has been associated with various pathological conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and immune disorders.

The gene encoding RAB11B is located on chromosome 19 in humans and is expressed in a variety of tissues. Its activity is tightly regulated through post-translational modifications and interactions with other GTPases and effector proteins. Understanding the specific functions and regulatory mechanisms of RAB11B continues to be an active area of research, with implications for therapeutic targeting in diseases involving vesicle trafficking abnormalities.