Rho-GTPases as key regulators of T lymphocyte biology.
Rho-GTPases belong to the Ras superfamily and are crucial signal transducing proteins downstream of many receptors. In general, the Rho-GTPases function as molecular switches, cycling between inactive (GDP-bound) and active (GTP-bound) states. The activated GTP bound Rho-GTPases interact with a broad spectrum of effectors to regulate a plethora of biological pathways including cytoskeletal dynamics, motility, cytokinesis, cell growth, apoptosis, transcriptional activity and nuclear signaling. Recently, gene targeting in mice allowed the selective inactivation of different Rho-GTPases and has advanced our understanding of the physiological role of these proteins, particularly in the immune system. Particularly, these proteins are key signaling molecules in T lymphocytes, which are generated in the thymus and are major players in the immune system. The scope of this review is to discuss recent data obtained in Rho-GTPases deficient mice by focusing on the role-played by Rho-GTPases in T-lymphocyte development, migration, activation and differentiation.
Inserm; U1043; Toulouse, France; CNRS; U5282; Toulouse, France; Université de Toulouse; Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan; Toulouse, France.
Abdelhadi
A
Saoudi
Inserm; U1043; Toulouse, France; CNRS; U5282; Toulouse, France; Université de Toulouse; Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan; Toulouse, France.
Sahar
S
Kassem
Inserm; U1043; Toulouse, France; CNRS; U5282; Toulouse, France; Université de Toulouse; Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan; Toulouse, France.
Anne
A
Dejean
Inserm; U1043; Toulouse, France; CNRS; U5282; Toulouse, France; Université de Toulouse; Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan; Toulouse, France.
Guillaume
G
Gaud
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002465:Cell Movement; D048749:Cytokinesis; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*
D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins
Rho-GTPases; T-cell development; T-cell differentiation; T-cell migration