TBC1D20 : TBC1 domain family member 20
Description
The TBC1D20 (TBC1 domain family member 20) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 20.
The TBC1D20 gene provides instructions for creating a protein that regulates the activity of other proteins called GTPases, which play a vital role in various cellular functions. GTPases act like molecular switches, being active when bound to GTP and inactive when bound to GDP. The TBC1D20 protein deactivates RAB18, a GTPase involved in vesicle trafficking, by converting GTP to GDP. RAB18 regulates the movement of substances within cells and the storage and release of fats. TBC1D20 also seems to participate in autophagy, a process that removes cellular debris. RAB18 is crucial for the organization of the endoplasmic reticulum, responsible for protein processing and transport. Additionally, TBC1D20 is believed to inactivate another GTPase called RAB1, essential for maintaining the Golgi apparatus structure, where newly produced proteins undergo modifications. Furthermore, TBC1D20 appears to play a part in viral replication within infected cells.
TBC1D20 acts as a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for Rab1 and Rab2 small GTPases, significantly accelerating their intrinsic GTP hydrolysis rate (PubMed:23236136). This protein also plays a role in maintaining the structure of the endoplasmic reticulum (PubMed:24891604).
TBC1D20 is also known as C20orf140, WARBM4.
