RAB17 is a protein-coding gene associated with several pathways, including the metabolism of proteins and Sertoli-Sertoli cell junction dynamics. The gene is located on chromosome 2 and has several aliases, such as RAB17_HUMAN .
RAB17 cycles between an inactive GDP-bound form and an active GTP-bound form. In its active state, it recruits various downstream effectors responsible for vesicle formation, movement, tethering, and fusion. This cycling is essential for the regulation of membrane trafficking .
One of the primary functions of RAB17 is in transcytosis, which is the directed movement of endocytosed material through the cell and its exocytosis from the plasma membrane at the opposite side. This process is mainly observed in epithelial cells and is crucial for the transcellular transport of immunoglobulins from the basolateral surface to the apical surface .
Additionally, RAB17 is required for melanosome transport and release from melanocytes. It also plays a role in the development of dendrites and dendritic spines, which are essential for neuronal connectivity and function .