RAET1G is located on chromosome 6 and is part of a gene cluster. The gene encodes a protein that includes C-terminal transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. However, these domains are removed through proteolytic processing, and the protein is subsequently tethered to the plasma membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor .
The RAET1G protein is one of several ligands for the natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) receptor. This receptor functions as an activating receptor in both innate and adaptive immunity. The interaction between RAET1G and NKG2D receptor mediates natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, which is crucial for the immune response against tumors and virally infected cells .
RAET1G has multiple isoforms with distinct functions:
RAET1G is associated with various pathways, including the metabolism of proteins and the post-translational modification of GPI-anchored proteins. It is also linked to certain diseases, such as eunuchism . The protein’s role in immune response makes it a potential target for therapeutic interventions in cancer and infectious diseases.