Identification and characterization of a new isoform of small GTPase RhoE

Commun Biol. 2020 Oct 15;3(1):572. doi: 10.1038/s42003-020-01295-4.

Abstract

The Rho family of GTPases consists of 20 members including RhoE. Here, we discover the existence of a short isoform of RhoE designated as RhoEα, the first Rho GTPase isoform generated from alternative translation. Translation of this new isoform is initiated from an alternative start site downstream of and in-frame with the coding region of the canonical RhoE. RhoEα exhibits a similar subcellular distribution while its protein stability is higher than RhoE. RhoEα contains binding capability to RhoE effectors ROCK1, p190RhoGAP and Syx. The distinct transcriptomes of cells with the expression of RhoE and RhoEα, respectively, are demonstrated. The data propose distinctive and overlapping biological functions of RhoEα compared to RhoE. In conclusion, this study reveals a new Rho GTPase isoform generated from alternative translation. The discovery provides a new scope of understanding the versatile functions of small GTPases and underlines the complexity and diverse roles of small GTPases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Line
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / chemistry
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • Protein Isoforms
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins / chemistry
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Protein Isoforms
  • Rnd3 protein, mouse
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins