RALGPS1

RALGPS1, also known as Regulator of ALS2 (ALS2), is a protein-coding gene. This gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays a role in regulating the activity of ALS2, another protein involved in the development of the nervous system. Specifically, RALGPS1 acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for small GTPases, which are proteins that act as molecular switches in various cellular processes. By influencing the activity of these GTPases, RALGPS1 can affect cell growth, differentiation, and survival.

Mutations in the RALGPS1 gene have been associated with certain neurological disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. While the exact mechanisms are still under investigation, it is thought that disruptions in RALGPS1 function can impair neuronal health and contribute to disease progression. Research into RALGPS1 is ongoing to better understand its precise role in neuronal function and its implications for neurological diseases.