RANBP1 encoded by RANBP1 or HTF9A (Hpall Tiny Fragments Locus 9A), plays regulatory functions of the RAN-network, belonging to the RAS superfamily of
small GTPases. Through this function, RANBP1 regulates the RANGAP1 activity and, thus, the fluctuations between
GTP-RAN and
GDP-RAN. In the light of this, RANBP1 take actions in maintaining the nucleus-cytoplasmic gradient, thus making nuclear import-export functional. RANBP1 has been implicated in the inter-nuclear transport of
proteins,
nucleic acids and
microRNAs, fully contributing to cellular epigenomic signature. Recently, a RANBP1 diriment role in spindle checkpoint formation and nucleation has emerged, thus constituting an essential
element in the control of mitotic stability. Over time, RANBP1 has been demonstrated to be variously involved in human
cancers both for the role in controlling nuclear transport and RAN activity and for its ability to determine the efficiency of the mitotic process. RANBP1 also appears to be implicated in chemo-
hormone and radio-resistance. A key role of this
small-GTPases related
protein has also been demonstrated in alterations of axonal flow and neuronal plasticity, as well as in viral and bacterial metabolism and in embryological maturation. In conclusion, RANBP1 appears not only to be an interesting factor in several pathological conditions but also a putative target of clinical interest.