Signalling mechanisms of RhoGTPase regulation by the heterotrimeric G proteins G12 and G13

J Biochem. 2011 Oct;150(4):357-69. doi: 10.1093/jb/mvr105. Epub 2011 Aug 26.

Abstract

G protein-mediated signal transduction can transduce signals from a large variety of extracellular stimuli into cells and is the most widely used mechanism for cell communication at the membrane. The RhoGTPase family has been well established as key regulators of cell growth, differentiation and cell shape changes. Among G protein-mediated signal transduction, G12/13-mediated signalling is one mechanism to regulate RhoGTPase activity in response to extracellular stimuli. The alpha subunits of G12 or G13 have been shown to interact with members of the RH domain containing guanine nucleotide exchange factors for Rho (RH-RhoGEF) family of proteins to directly connect G protein-mediated signalling and RhoGTPase signalling. The G12/13-RH-RhoGEF signalling mechanism is well conserved over species and is involved in critical steps for cell physiology and disease conditions, including embryonic development, oncogenesis and cancer metastasis. In this review, we will summarize current progress on this important signalling mechanism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, G12-G13 / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Signal Transduction*
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, G12-G13
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins