title: Posttranslational lipid modification of Rho family small GTPases.
abstract: The Rho family comprises a major branch of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases. A majority of Rho GTPases are synthesized as inactive, cytosolic proteins. They then undergo posttranslational modification by isoprenoid or fatty acid lipids, and together with additional carboxyl-terminal sequences target Rho GTPases to specific membrane and subcellular compartments essential for function. We summarize the use of biochemical and cellular assays and pharmacologic inhibitors instrumental for the study of the role of posttranslational lipid modifications and processing in Rho GTPase biology.
authors.affiliation: Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. natalia_mitin@med.unc.edu
authors.forename: Natalia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mitin
authors.forename: Patrick J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: Emily J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Chenette
authors.forename: Channing J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Der
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D057809:HEK293 Cells; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D051379:Mice; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D041681:NIH 3T3 Cells; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational / Q000502:physiology*; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014162:Transfection; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D008055:Lipids; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins