Rho GTPases in embryonic development

Small GTPases. 2014;5(2):8. doi: 10.4161/sgtp.29716.

Abstract

In the last decade, several mouse models for RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 have emerged and have contributed a great deal to understanding the precise functions of Rho GTPases at early stages of development. This review summarizes our current knowledge of various mouse models of tissue-specific ablation of Cdc42, Rac1, and RhoA with emphasis on early embryogenesis, epithelial and skin morphogenesis, tubulogenesis, development of the central nervous system, and limb development.

Keywords: Cdc42; Rac1; RhoA; cell fate; cell migration; cell polarity; cytoskeleton; embryonic development; mouse models; tubulogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Embryonic Development*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Mice
  • Neuropeptides / genetics
  • Neuropeptides / metabolism*
  • cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein / genetics
  • cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism*
  • rac1 GTP-Binding Protein / genetics
  • rac1 GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism*
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein

Substances

  • Cdc42 protein, mouse
  • Neuropeptides
  • Rac1 protein, mouse
  • RhoA protein, mouse
  • cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein
  • rac1 GTP-Binding Protein
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein