VAV1

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.