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Rho GTPase signaling in inflammation and transformation

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Abstract

Intracellular Rho GTPases provide an important regulatory mechanism to connect cell-surface-generated signals with the nucleus. By cycling between the active (guanosine 5′-triphosphate [GTP]) and inactive (guanosine 5′-diphosphate) state, these GTP-binding proteins control cellular functions ranging from dynamic actin remodeling and activation of transcription factors to cell-cycle progression and cellular transformation. Their contribution to these very diverse processes makes them an essential part of cell movement, growth, and apoptosis. Upstream regulatory mechanisms, as well as a variety of downstream effector molecules, enable Rho GTPases to act in a specific, orchestrated manner, dictating cellular responses. In this article, I review my laboratory's work centering on the goal of determining how specificity in intracellular signaling is achieved and identifying molecular mechanisms of Rho GTPase-mediated processes in innate immune and transformed cells.

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Author notes

  1. Ulla G. Knaus Ph.D.

    Present address: Department of Immunology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, 92037, La Jolla, CA

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    1. Ulla G. Knaus Ph.D.
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    Knaus, U.G. Rho GTPase signaling in inflammation and transformation. Immunol Res 21, 103–109 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1385/IR:21:2-3:103

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