title: Rho GTPases in neurodegeneration diseases.
abstract: Rho GTPases are molecular switches that modulate multiple intracellular signaling processes by means of various effector proteins. As a result, Rho GTPase activities are tightly spatiotemporally regulated in order to ensure homeostasis within the cell. Though the roles of Rho GTPases during neural development have been well documented, their participation during neurodegeneration has been far less characterized. Herein we discuss our current knowledge of the role and function of Rho GTPases and regulators during neurodegeneration, and highlight their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention in common neurodegenerative disorders.
authors.affiliation: McGill University, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 0C7.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: DeGeer
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lamarche-Vane
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D016501:Neurites / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D055495:Neurogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D020221:Optic Nerve Injuries / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D015398:Signal Transduction; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D007527:Isoenzymes; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins
keywords: Nerve injury; Neurite outgrowth; Neurodegeneration; Rho GTPases; RhoGAPs; RhoGEFs