title: Cell type-specific signaling function of RhoA GTPase: lessons from mouse gene targeting.
abstract: RhoA GTPase is a key intracellular regulator of actomyosin dynamics and other cell functions, including adhesion, proliferation, survival, and gene expression. Most of our knowledge of RhoA signaling function is from studies in immortalized cell lines utilizing inhibitors or dominant mutant overexpression, both of which are limited in terms of specificity, dosage, and clonal variation. Recent mouse gene targeting studies of rhoA and its regulators/effectors have revealed cell type-specific signaling mechanisms in the context of mammalian physiology. The new knowledge may present therapeutic opportunities for the rational targeting of RhoA signaling-mediated pathophysiologies.
authors.affiliation: From the Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Children's Hospital Research Foundation, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229.
authors.forename: Xuan
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Yi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zheng
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018390:Gene Targeting; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009928:Organ Specificity; D015398:Signal Transduction; D020742:rhoA GTP-Binding Protein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D020742:rhoA GTP-Binding Protein
keywords: Cellular Regulation; Gene Knock-out; Mouse Genetics; Rho GTPases; Signaling