The rhomboid-like superfamily: molecular mechanisms and biological roles

Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol. 2014:30:235-54. doi: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-100913-012944. Epub 2014 Jul 9.

Abstract

The rhomboid proteases were first discovered as regulators of Drosophila EGF receptor signaling; soon after, it was recognized that they represented the founder members of a widespread family of intramembrane serine proteases conserved in all kingdoms. More recently still, the family was promoted to a superfamily, encompassing a wide variety of distantly related proteins. One of the surprises has been that many members of the rhomboid-like superfamily are not active proteases. Given the size of this clan, and its relatively recent discovery, there is still much to learn. Nevertheless, we already understand much about how rhomboid proteases perform their surprising function of cleaving transmembrane domains. We also already know that members of the rhomboid-like superfamily participate in biological functions as diverse as growth factor signaling, mitochondrial dynamics, inflammation, parasite invasion, and the machinery of protein quality control. Their potential medical significance is now becoming apparent in several areas.

Keywords: disease; enzyme; iRhom; membrane protein; mitochondria; protease; rhomboid; signaling.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / physiology
  • Catalytic Domain
  • Drosophila Proteins / physiology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / enzymology
  • Mammals / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / classification
  • Membrane Proteins / physiology*
  • Mitochondria / enzymology
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / physiology
  • Multigene Family*
  • Parasitic Diseases / enzymology
  • Plant Proteins / physiology
  • Proteolysis
  • Serine Proteases / classification
  • Serine Proteases / physiology*
  • Terminology as Topic

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • Plant Proteins
  • Serine Proteases