STARD13


StAR-related lipid transfer domain protein 13 also known as deleted in liver cancer 2 protein is a protein that in humans is encoded by the STARD13 gene and a member of the DLC family of proteins.

Function and structure

STARD13 serves as a Rho GTPase-activating protein, a type of protein that regulates members of the Rho [family of GTPases]. It selectively activates RhoA and CDC42 and suppresses cell growth by inhibiting actin stress fiber assembly.
The protein consists of an N-terminal sterile alpha motif domain, a serine-rich domain, a RhoGAP domain and at the C-terminus, a StAR-related lipid-transfer domain.

Tissue distribution and pathology

The protein was identified in part through its differential expression in cancers. A low level of STARD13 was observed in less differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma tissue with higher RhoA expression. A small patient study finds that the absence of STARD13 in hepatocellular carcinomas correlates with higher levels of RhoA and a poorer prognosis than patients with carcinomas that were STARD13-positive.