P51159

The Rab family of low molecular weight GTPases are critical regulators of vesicular transport. Rab proteins cycle between an active GTP-bound state, which recruits specific effector proteins, and an inactive GDP-bound state. Two members of this family, Rab27a and Rab27b, have overlapping functions, but differ in tissue specificity. Rab27a is widely expressed with significant expression in pancreatic islets and pituitary tissue, and low expression in brain. Rab27b is also expressed in pituitary tissue, but is more significantly expressed in brain and spleen.