GEFT

Ideogram human chromosome 12

GEFT (short for Guanine nucleotide Exchange Factor for T-cell activation) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the activation of T-cells, a type of white blood cell that is essential for the immune response. GEFT functions as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, facilitating the exchange of guanosine diphosphate (GDP) for guanosine triphosphate (GTP) on small GTPase proteins.

Structure

GEFT is composed of multiple domains, including a catalytic domain responsible for its guanine nucleotide exchange activity. The protein structure of GEFT is highly conserved across species, indicating its importance in cellular signaling pathways.

Function

As a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, GEFT activates small GTPase proteins such as Rho and Rac, which are key regulators of cytoskeletal dynamics and cell migration. By promoting the exchange of GDP for GTP on these GTPases, GEFT plays a critical role in T-cell activation and immune response.

Regulation

The activity of GEFT is tightly regulated within cells to ensure proper immune function. Various signaling pathways and protein interactions modulate the activity of GEFT, allowing for precise control of T-cell activation and immune responses.

Clinical Implications

Dysregulation of GEFT activity has been implicated in various immune-related disorders, including autoimmune diseases and cancer. Targeting GEFT and its downstream signaling pathways may offer new therapeutic strategies for modulating immune responses and treating immune-related disorders.

See also

• T-cell activation
• Guanine nucleotide exchange factor
• GTPase signaling pathway

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