GNA13

Guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit alpha-13 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GNA13 gene.

Interactions and functions
The GNA13 gene encodes the G13 G protein alpha subunit. Together with GNA12, these two proteins comprise one of the four classes of heterotrimeric G protein alpha subunits. 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.

Active GTP-bound G12 alpha subunit interacts with and activates ARHGEF1,  ARHGEF11,  and ARHGEF12. These ARHGEF proteins function as guanine nucleotide exchange factors for the Rho small GTPases to regulate the actin cytoskeleton.

GNA13 has been shown to interact with AKAP3, RIC8A, and Radixin.

Clinical significance
Recurrent mutations in this gene have been associated to cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.