Function
SH3BP1 is a GTPase activating protein (GAP) that specifically converts GTP-bound Rho-type GTPases, including RAC1 and CDC42, into their inactive GDP-bound forms. By specifically inactivating RAC1 at the leading edge of migrating cells, SH3BP1 regulates the spatial and temporal organization of cell protrusions, which is crucial for proper cell migration. It also negatively regulates CDC42 in the processes of actin remodeling and the formation of epithelial cell junctions. Through its GAP activity towards RAC1 and/or CDC42, SH3BP1 plays a specific role in phagocytosis of large particles. It is specifically recruited by a PI3 kinase (PI3K)-dependent mechanism to sites of large particle engagement, where it inactivates RAC1 and/or CDC42, enabling the reorganization of the underlying actin cytoskeleton required for engulfment. Additionally, SH3BP1 plays a role in angiogenesis and the process of repulsive guidance as part of a semaphorin-plexin signaling pathway. Following the binding of PLXND1 to extracellular SEMA3E, SH3BP1 dissociates from PLXND1 and inactivates RAC1, inducing intracellular reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and cell collapse.