Src Homology 3 domain of alpha-Pak Interactive eXchange factor
Alpha-PIX, also called Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 6 (ARHGEF6) or Cool (Cloned out of Library)-2, activates small GTPases by exchanging bound GDP for free GTP. It acts as a GEF for both Cdc42 and Rac 1, and is localized in dendritic spines where it regulates spine morphogenesis. It controls dendritic length and spine density in the hippocampus. Mutations in the ARHGEF6 gene cause X-linked intellectual disability in humans. PIX proteins contain an N-terminal SH3 domain followed by RhoGEF (also called Dbl-homologous or DH) and Pleckstrin Homology (PH) domains, and a C-terminal leucine-zipper domain for dimerization. The SH3 domain of PIX binds to an atypical PxxxPR motif in p21-activated kinases (PAKs) with high affinity. The binding of PAKs to PIX facilitate the localization of PAKs to focal complexes and also localizes PAKs to PIX targets Cdc43 and Rac, leading to the activation of PAKs. SH3 domains are protein interaction domains that bind to proline-rich ligands with moderate affinity and selectivity, preferentially to PxxP motifs. They play versatile and diverse roles in the cell including the regulation of enzymes, changing the subcellular localization of signaling pathway components, and mediating the formation of multiprotein complex assemblies.
Jiyao W et al.(2023). "The conserved domain database in 2023.",