Rho family GTPases as key regulators for neuronal network formation.
Rho family GTPases act as transducers of signals from extracellular stimuli to the cytoskeleton and gene expression. Their actions are temporal and spatial determinants for cellular functions. The cellular functions of Rho family GTPases have been studied in fibroblasts and endothelial cells, and recent advances have revealed their roles in the regulation of neuronal network formation, including migration, neurite outgrowth, polarity, axon guidance, dendrite maturation and synapse formation. In addition, a significant number of X-linked mental retardation genes have been shown to encode components directly involved in signal transduction pathways of Rho family GTPases, underscoring the view that Rho family GTPases essentially participate in the neuronal network formation. In this review, we will overview current understanding of the functions of Rho family GTPases in neuronal network formation.
Negishi
Manabu
M
Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan. mnegishi@pharm.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Katoh
Hironori
H
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D048429:Cell Size; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology*; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D010802:Phylogeny; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins