The SART3 gene (SART3 stands for "Spliceosome Associated Factor 3, U4/U6 Recycling Protein") is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 12q23.3. The protein encoded by this gene is an RNA-binding nuclear protein that is a tumor rejection antigen. This antigen has tumor epitopes capable of inducing HLA-A24-restricted and tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in cancer patients. Thus, the antigen could be useful for specific immunotherapy.
The SART3 gene product is shown to be an important cellular factor for HIV-1 gene expression and viral replication. It also transiently associates with U6 and U4/U6 snRNPs during the recycling phase of the spliceosome cycle. This encoded protein is thought to be involved in the regulation of mRNA splicing. Furthermore, the protein possibly plays a role in hematopoiesis, probably through transcriptional regulation of specific genes, including MYC.