Rho GTPases in cell biology

Nature. 2002 Dec 12;420(6916):629-35. doi: 10.1038/nature01148.

Abstract

Rho GTPases are molecular switches that control a wide variety of signal transduction pathways in all eukaryotic cells. They are known principally for their pivotal role in regulating the actin cytoskeleton, but their ability to influence cell polarity, microtubule dynamics, membrane transport pathways and transcription factor activity is probably just as significant. Underlying this biological complexity is a simple biochemical idea, namely that by switching on a single GTPase, several distinct signalling pathways can be coordinately activated. With spatial and temporal activation of multiple switches factored in, it is not surprising to find Rho GTPases having such a prominent role in eukaryotic cell biology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Division
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Polarity
  • Cell Size
  • Cells / cytology*
  • Cells / enzymology*
  • Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Phagocytosis
  • Signal Transduction*
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins