DOCK6 : dedicator of cytokinesis 6
Description
The DOCK6 (dedicator of cytokinesis 6) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 19.
The DOCK6 gene provides instructions for making a protein known as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF). GEFs activate proteins called GTPases, which are essential for chemical signaling within cells. GTPases act as molecular switches, being turned on and off by binding to molecules called GDP or GTP, respectively. The DOCK6 protein activates GTPases known as Cdc42 and Rac1 by replacing GDP with GTP. Once active, Cdc42 and Rac1 transmit signals crucial for various aspects of embryonic development. DOCK6 appears to specifically regulate these GTPases during the development of limbs, skull, and heart. DOCK6 also plays a role in the development of axons, which extend from nerve cells.
DOCK6 is also known as AOS2, ZIR1.
