Proto-oncogene vav is a protein that in humans is encoded by the VAV1 gene.
Function
The protein encoded by this proto-oncogene is a member of the Dbl family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEF) for the Rho family of GTP binding proteins. The protein is important in hematopoiesis, playing a role in T-cell and B-cell development and activation. This particular GEF has been identified as the specific binding partner of Nef proteins from HIV-1. Coexpression and binding of these partners initiates profound morphological changes, cytoskeletal rearrangements and the JNK/SAPK signaling cascade, leading to increased levels of viral transcription and replication.
Interactions
VAV1 has been shown to interact with:
ARHGDIB, Abl gene, Cbl gene EZH2, Grb2, JAK2, Ku70, LAT, LCP2, MAPK1, PIK3R1, PLCG1, PRKCQ, S100B, SHB, SIAH2, and Syk.
References
Further reading