PREX2
PREX2 (phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate dependent Rac exchange factor 2, also P-REX2, DEPDC2 or PPP1R129) is a Dbl-type guanine nucleotide exchange factor that activates Rac proteins downstream of G protein-coupled receptors and phosphoinositide 3-kinase. Browse Assay Genie's current range of PREX2 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
PREX2 functions as a RAC1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF). It activates Rac proteins by promoting the exchange of bound GDP for free GTP, allowing GTP-bound Rac1 to engage downstream effectors. Its activity is synergistically stimulated by phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) and the beta gamma subunits of heterotrimeric G protein, and it mediates RAC1 activation in a PI3K-dependent manner. PREX2 may therefore be an important mediator of Rac signalling, acting directly downstream of both G protein-coupled receptors and phosphoinositide 3-kinase.
The PREX2 protein belongs to the PIP3-dependent Rac exchanger (PREX) family of Dbl-type GEFs for Rac family small G proteins. Its domains include the catalytic DH and PH (DHPH) module, two DEP domains, two PDZ domains and, in one isoform, a C-terminal inositol polyphosphate-4 phosphatase (IP4P) domain. HGNC places the gene in the Dbl family Rho GEFs, PDZ domain containing, DEP domain containing and protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit groups. A mouse ortholog, Prex2, is recorded.
The relationship with PTEN is reciprocal. The pleckstrin homology domain of PREX2 interacts with the PTEN gene product to inhibit PTEN phosphatase activity, which promotes PI3K signalling, while PTEN has also been shown to inhibit the GEF activity of PREX2. The PREX2 gene has a role in insulin-signalling pathways, and mutations or overexpression of the gene have been observed in some cancers. Earlier names include DEP domain containing 2 (DEPDC2); the related family member PREX1 is a close point of comparison.
PREX2 catalyses GDP-to-GTP exchange on Rac1, making it a useful entry point for studying how Rac activation is controlled downstream of receptors.
PREX2 and PTEN inhibit each other, linking the exchange factor to PI3K pathway regulation and PIP3-dependent signalling.
The PREX2 gene plays a role in insulin-signalling pathways, supporting research into how Rac exchange factors contribute to insulin responses.
Mutations or overexpression of PREX2 have been observed in some cancers, making it a target for studies of PI3K-driven disease.
PREX2 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rac proteins, including RAC1. It swaps bound GDP for GTP, switching Rac on. Its activity is synergistically stimulated by PIP3 and G protein beta gamma subunits, placing it downstream of G protein-coupled receptors and PI3K.
PREX2 is also known as P-REX2, DEPDC2, PPP1R129, DEP.2 and FLJ12987, and was formerly called DEP domain containing 2. The NCBI summary notes that a C-terminal inositol polyphosphate-4 phosphatase (IP4P) domain is found in one of the isoforms.
Mutations or overexpression of PREX2 have been observed in some cancers, and it is involved in insulin signalling. A mouse ortholog, Prex2, exists; check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
A related PREX family Rac exchange factor with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q70Z35; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.