Guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit alpha-12 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GNA12 gene. [5] [6] [7]
The GNA12 gene encodes the G12 G protein alpha subunit. Together with GNA13, these two proteins comprise one of the four classes of heterotrimeric G protein alpha subunits. [8] Heterotrimeric G proteins function in transducing hormone and neurotransmitter signals detected by cell surface G protein-coupled receptors to intracellular signaling pathways to modulate cell functions. G protein alpha subunits bind to guanine nucleotides and function in a regulatory cycle, and are active when bound to GTP but inactive and associated with the G beta-gamma complex when bound to GDP. [9] [10]
Active GTP-bound G12 alpha subunit interacts with and activates ARHGEF1, [11] ARHGEF11, [12] [13] and ARHGEF12. [14] [15] These ARHGEF proteins function as guanine nucleotide exchange factors for the Rho small GTPases to regulate the actin cytoskeleton. [16]
GNA12 also interacts with PPP5C, [17] HSP90, [18] Resistance to inhibitors of cholinesterase-8A (Ric-8A) [19] and TEC. [15]