Vav1 Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor (VAV1) is a member of the VAV gene family and is exclusively expressed in the hematopoietic system. It functions as a GDP/GTP nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), activating pathways that lead to actin cytoskeletal rearrangements and transcriptional alterations. VAV1 contains several characteristic structural motifs that are crucial for its role as a versatile signal transducer.
VAV1 is essential for hematopoiesis, playing a key role in the development and activation of T cells and B cells. It has also been identified as a specific binding partner for Nef proteins from HIV-1.
Expression of VAV1 is restricted to cells of hematopoietic origin, including those of the erythroid, lymphoid, and myeloid lineages. Diseases associated with VAV1 include cherubism and HIV-1 infection.