RAB, Member Of RAS Oncogene Family Like Protein 3 (RABL3)

Rab is a large subfamily of small GTPases which play an important role in multiple processes relating to cellular transportation and modulation of the cytoskeleton. Novel gene Rab-like 3 (Rabl3), a new member belonging to this subfamily, may participate in other processes in human cancer cell lines. Overexpression of Rabl3 resulted in the enhancement of cell proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis and paclitaxel resistance in human cancer cell lines. Rabl3 also promoted cell motility activity.  Furthermore, western blot analysis revealed that the function of Rabl3 was closely associated with focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation. Rabl3 may be a novel oncogene which regulates the oncological behavior of human cancer cells. As a consequence, Rabl3 can be considered as a novel candidate in the control of tumorigenesis and as a new target for anti-tumor treatment.