p63RhoGEF: a new switch for G(q)-mediated activation of smooth muscle

Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2012 Jul;22(5):122-7. doi: 10.1016/j.tcm.2012.07.007. Epub 2012 Aug 16.

Abstract

In normal and diseased vascular smooth muscle (SM), the RhoA pathway, which is activated by multiple agonists through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), plays a central role in regulating basal tone and peripheral resistance. Multiple RhoA GTP exchange factors (GEFs) are expressed in SM, raising the possibility that specific agonists coupled to specific GPCRs may couple to distinct RhoGEFs and provide novel therapeutic targets. This review focuses on the function and mechanisms of activation of p63RhoGEF (Arhgef 25; GEFT) recently identified in SM and its possible role in selective targeting of RhoA-mediated regulation of basal blood pressure through agonists that couple through G(αq/11).

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arterial Pressure / drug effects
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gq-G11 / genetics
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Smooth / metabolism*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics*
  • Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • Signal Transduction*
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein / genetics*

Substances

  • ARHGEF25 protein, human
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gq-G11
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein