Rho GTPases in hematopoietic cells.
The ubiquitous Rho GTPases are instrumental in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton, but also for the control of gene expression. Here we review the role of the major members of this family, i.e., RhoA, Rac1, Rac2, and Cdc42, and their intracellular signaling in hematopoietic cells. Although these proteins have been classically implicated in chemotaxis, there are now clear indications on how differential signaling toward other, more specific functions, such as phagocytosis or the production of reactive oxygen species, is regulated by relatively small differences in primary sequence. The identification of mutations in these GTPases or their regulators has provided novel insights in their function as well as their relevance for the development of hematological diseases.
Van Hennik
Paula B
PB
Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sanquin Research at CLB, and Landsteiner Laboratory, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Hordijk
Peter L
PL
D000818:Animals; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D006413:Hematopoietic System / Q000166:cytology* / Q000201:enzymology*; D006801:Humans; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*
D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins