[The Rho protein family and its role in the cellular cytoskeleton]

Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2008 Mar 10:62:110-7.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Proteins of the Rho protein family (RhoA, Rac1, Cdc42) work as molecular switches in the regulation of many cellular processes. They are involved in cell migration, cell-cycle control, apoptosis, and the regulation of gene transcription. Rho proteins show their activity mainly in the cell's cytoskeleton by taking part in the reorganization of microfilaments and microtubules. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding the biochemical and genetic nature of many processes controlled by Rho proteins. Although there are still seveal unknowns and hypothesizes which require confirmation, newer and more precise experimental results allow us to better understand these processes. It has also been suggested to use Rho family proteins in the therapy of some diseases. The purpose of this study was to characterize the significance of Rho processes in the cellular cytoskeleton.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Movement
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / metabolism
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / metabolism
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Microtubules / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism
  • rac GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • rho-Associated Kinases / metabolism
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism*

Substances

  • Actins
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • rho-Associated Kinases
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases
  • cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein
  • rac GTP-Binding Proteins
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein