Rab 38 (11B-7) Antibody: sc-81918

Rab 38 Background Information
The Ras-related superfamily of guanine nucleotide binding proteins includes the R-Ras, Rap, Ral/Rec and Rho/Rab subfamilies. Increasing data suggests an important role for Rab proteins in either endocytosis or in biosynthetic protein transport. The process of transporting newly synthesized proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum to various stacks of the Golgi complex and to secretory vesicles involves the movement of carrier vesicles and requires Rab protein function. Rab proteins are also an integral part of endocytic pathways. Rab 38, also known as rrGTPbp or NY-MEL-1, is a melanocyte- and lung-specific member of the Rab family of proteins and localizes to the cell membrane, where it is believed to participate in melanosomal transport and docking. Rab 38 may play an important role in melanogenesis and in the targeting of TRP1, a protein involved in the production of melanin. A mutation in the gene encoding Rab 38 may result in oculocutaneous albinism (OCA), a condition in which pigment is absent from eye, skin and hair.