Rab4A Protein is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
RAB4A is a small GTPase belonging to the Rab family of proteins that regulates vesicle trafficking in the endocytic recycling pathway. This protein controls the rapid recycling of transferrin receptors and other cargo from early endosomes back to the plasma membrane, playing a crucial role in maintaining receptor availability at the cell surface and regulating cellular signaling[1][2].
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Protein Name | Ras-related protein Rab-4A |
| Gene Symbol | RAB4A |
| UniProt ID | P61018 |
| Molecular Weight | ~24 kDa |
| Subcellular Localization | Early endosomes, recycling endosomes |
| Protein Family | Rab GTPase family |
| PDB Structure | 1Z0F, 2B4I |
RAB4A shares structural features with other Rab GTPases:
RAB4A controls rapid recycling from early endosomes:
| Process | Function |
|---|---|
| Transferrin receptor recycling | Maintains iron uptake |
| Synaptic receptor recycling | Modulates synaptic signaling |
| Integrin recycling | Regulates cell adhesion |
| Nutrient transporter recycling | Maintains nutrient uptake |
| Effector | Function |
|---|---|
| RABEP1 | Vesicle tethering |
| RABAPTIN-5 | Early endosome fusion |
| RAB4IP | Effector interactions |
| GRIP domain proteins | Membrane recruitment |
[1] van der Sluijs, P. et al. (1992). The small GTP-binding protein Rab4 controls an early sorting event on the endocytic pathway. Cell, 70(5), 729-740.
[2] Zerial, M. & McBride, H. (2001). Rab proteins as membrane organizers. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 2(2), 107-117.
[3] Ginsberg, S.D. et al. (2011). State-dependent alterations in the expression of alpha- and beta-tubulin isoforms in Alzheimer disease. Brain Research, 1404, 24-36.
The study of Rab4A Protein has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
Note: This page is part of the NeuroWiki protein database. Last updated: 2026-03-04