A Rab GTPase is a small GTP-binding protein that regulates membrane traffic. GDP- and GTP-bound states differ in their interactions with effectors, while exchange factors and GTPase-activating proteins regulate the cycle. Different Rabs act at different trafficking stages, helping organize compartment identity, motor recruitment and carrier targeting. Rab8a and Rab11a illustrate related switches with different preferred routes and partners. [ref]
Rab Conversion as a Mechanism of Progression from Early to Late Endosomes by Jochen Rink and others. 2005, Rab5-to-Rab7 transition and endosomal identity
Rab8a is a Rab GTPase involved in delivery toward the cell surface and ciliary membrane organization. Rabin8 activates it through nucleotide exchange, linking upstream signals to effector recruitment. Its membrane location and nucleotide state together help determine productive interactions. A fluorescent Rab8a spot therefore reports localization without automatically specifying whether the switch is active or transport is proceeding. [ref]
NCBI Gene by the National Library of Medicine. Homo sapiens, RAB8A record, Summary and linked functional evidence
Rab11a is a Rab GTPase associated with recycling membrane traffic. It helps organize the return or redistribution of internalized components and contributes to polarized delivery in several cell types. Its effectors connect nucleotide state to targeting and motor systems. A recycled receptor can regain surface availability without being synthesized again, illustrating how trafficking changes cellular responsiveness on short timescales. [ref]
NCBI Gene by the National Library of Medicine. Homo sapiens, RAB11A record, Summary and linked functional evidence
A Rab-family regulator associated with late endosomal and degradative trafficking.
Its effectors help connect late endosomes to movement, targeting and fusion with degradative compartments. The transition from Rab5 to Rab7 illustrates maturation of membrane identity; a static marker image captures a state rather than the whole trafficking history. [ref]
Molecular Biology of the Cell, 4th edition by Bruce Alberts and others. Chapters 3, 6 and 15, protein function, translation and cell signalling
A Rab-family regulator associated with early endosomal membrane domains.
Active Rab5 recruits partners that organize early endosomes and membrane fusion. Replacement of Rab5-associated identity by Rab7-associated identity helps connect early uptake with later degradative trafficking, rather than requiring each endosome to retain one permanent molecular label. [ref]
Molecular Biology of the Cell, 4th edition by Bruce Alberts and others. Chapters 3, 6 and 15, protein function, translation and cell signalling
Articles by others on the same topic
There are currently no matching articles.