Sec3EXOC1

Sec3EXOC1, also known as Exocyst subunit Sec3, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the EXOC1 gene. This gene is part of the exocyst complex, a conserved hetero-octameric protein complex essential for the targeting and fusion of exocytic vesicles to the plasma membrane. The exocyst complex plays a crucial role in various cellular processes that involve directed membrane trafficking, including cytokinesis, cell polarization, and endocytosis. Sec3EXOC1 specifically localizes to the plasma membrane and is thought to be involved in tethering vesicles to their docking sites.

The EXOC1 gene is located on chromosome 13 in humans. Mutations in the EXOC1 gene have been associated with certain developmental disorders, although the exact mechanisms are still under investigation. Research into Sec3EXOC1 and its role within the exocyst complex continues to shed light on the intricate processes of vesicle transport and its implications for cell function and disease. Studies utilizing genetic knockouts and biochemical analyses have helped to elucidate its interactions with other exocyst components and its contribution to the overall function of the complex. Its precise role in initiating vesicle tethering is a key area of ongoing research.