A new look at Rho GTPases in cell cycle: role in kinetochore-microtubule attachment

Cell Cycle. 2004 Jul;3(7):855-7. Epub 2004 Jul 25.

Abstract

Rho GTPases including Rho, Rac and Cdc42 are involved in cell morphogenesis by inducing specific types of actin cytoskeleton and alignment and stabilization of microtubules. Previous studies suggest that they also regulate cell cycle progression; Rho, Rac and Cdc42 regulate the G(1)-S progression and Rho controls cytokinesis. However, a role of Rho GTPases in nuclear division has not been definitely shown. We have recently found that Cdc42 and its downstream effector mDia3 are involved in bi-orientation and stabilization of spindle microtubules attachment to kinetochores and regulate chromosome alignment and segregation. Here, we discuss how this is coordinated with other events in mitosis, particularly, with the action of Rho in cytokinesis and how attachment of microtubules to kinetochores is achieved and stabilized. We also discuss redundancy of dc42 and Cdc42-related GTPase(s) and potential mechanisms of chromosome instability in cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Cycle / physiology*
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism
  • Chromosomal Instability / physiology
  • Chromosome Segregation / physiology
  • Formins
  • Humans
  • Kinetochores / physiology*
  • Microtubules / physiology*
  • Spindle Apparatus / physiology*
  • cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein / genetics
  • cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Diap2 protein, mouse
  • Formins
  • cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins