Rab family small GTPases-mediated regulation of intracellular logistics in neural development

Histol Histopathol. 2018 Aug;33(8):765-771. doi: 10.14670/HH-11-956. Epub 2017 Dec 19.

Abstract

Rab family small GTPases play essential roles in various cellular events via the regulation of intracellular logistics comprising a large number of membrane traffic pathways. Emerging evidence reveals the physiological roles of Rab proteins in several tissues, including developing brains. Many Rab proteins, such as Rab5, Rab6, Rab7, Rab8, Rab10, Rab11, Rab17 and Rab18, are shown to regulate neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells and/or axon and dendrite formation in primary cultured neurons. Recent studies have also revealed in vivo roles of several Rab family small GTPases in brain development and its related neurological disorders. In this review, we introduce the physiological function of Rab family proteins in neural development with particular focus on neurite outgrowth and neuronal migration.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Movement
  • Cerebral Cortex / enzymology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / growth & development
  • Endocytosis
  • Humans
  • Isoenzymes
  • Neurogenesis*
  • Neuronal Outgrowth
  • Neurons / enzymology*
  • Protein Transport
  • Signal Transduction*
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Isoenzymes
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins