[A brief overview of the small Rho GTPases].
RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42, the founding members of the Rho subfamily of small GTPases, have been the focus of many research studies since the first discovery of their primary roles in the reorganisation of the actin cytoskeleton. Since then, it is clear that they are involved in a great deal of cellular functions, including cell migration and adhesion, cell growth control, and membrane trafficking. The complete sequencing of the human genome has now highlighted a total of 20 genes encoding Rho-like proteins. Little is known about their distinct cellular functions, however, numerous studies are now beginning to unravel that each of the Rho GTPase must play a specific role in the cell in a timely and spatially regulated fashion. Here, we are presenting a brief overview of the distinct functional roles and similarities known to date for each of the Rho members.
Primeau
Martin
M
Université McGill, Département d'anatomie et biologie cellulaire, 3640 University, room 1-38, Montréal, Québec, H3A 2B2 Canada.
Lamarche-Vane
Nathalie
N
D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002455:Cell Division; D002465:Cell Movement; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D020742:rhoA GTP-Binding Protein; D020743:rhoB GTP-Binding Protein; D000075024:rhoC GTP-Binding Protein
C066690:RHOC protein, human; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins; D020742:rhoA GTP-Binding Protein; D020743:rhoB GTP-Binding Protein; D000075024:rhoC GTP-Binding Protein