scholarly journals Control of the cytokinetic apparatus by flux of the Rho GTPases

2008 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 378-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann L. Miller ◽  
George von Dassow ◽  
William M. Bement
Keyword(s):  
Rho Gtpases ◽  
Bound States ◽  
Rho Gtpase ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Small Gtpase ◽  
Filamentous Actin ◽  
Animal Cells ◽  
Apparatus Function ◽  
Tightly Coupled ◽  
Gtpase Cycle

Cytokinesis in animal cells is powered by the cytokinetic apparatus, a ring of filamentous actin and myosin-2 that underlies the plasma membrane and closes between the separating chromosomes. Formation of the cytokinetic apparatus is at least partially dependent on the small GTPase, Rho. Similar to other small GTPases, Rho cycles between the active (GTP-bound) and inactive (GDP-bound) states. Because of this switch-like behaviour, Rho and other members of the Rho GTPase family, such as Rac and Cdc42, have long been thought to work in a manner such that their activation and inactivation are not tightly coupled. That is, a given Rho-dependent event, such as cytokinesis, has been thought to be initiated by activation of Rho, and then, many minutes later, terminated by inactivation of Rho. Here we discuss evidence suggesting that in fact Rho undergoes rapid movement through the GTPase cycle throughout the entire process of cytokinesis, and that this cycling is necessary for proper cytokinetic apparatus function.

scholarly journals Pharmacological Modulators of Small GTPases of Rho Family in Neurodegenerative Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Guiler ◽  
Addison Koehler ◽  
Christi Boykin ◽  
Qun Lu
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Therapeutic Intervention ◽  
Rho Gtpases ◽  
Rho Gtpase ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Disease Model ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Small Gtpase ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Pharmacological Modulators

Classical Rho GTPases, including RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42, are members of the Ras small GTPase superfamily and play essential roles in a variety of cellular functions. Rho GTPase signaling can be turned on and off by specific GEFs and GAPs, respectively. These features empower Rho GTPases and their upstream and downstream modulators as targets for scientific research and therapeutic intervention. Specifically, significant therapeutic potential exists for targeting Rho GTPases in neurodegenerative diseases due to their widespread cellular activity and alterations in neural tissues. This study will explore the roles of Rho GTPases in neurodegenerative diseases with focus on the applications of pharmacological modulators in recent discoveries. There have been exciting developments of small molecules, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and natural products and toxins for each classical Rho GTPase category. A brief overview of each category followed by examples in their applications will be provided. The literature on their roles in various diseases [e.g., Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Multiple sclerosis (MS)] highlights the unique and broad implications targeting Rho GTPases for potential therapeutic intervention. Clearly, there is increasing knowledge of therapeutic promise from the discovery of pharmacological modulators of Rho GTPases for managing and treating these conditions. The progress is also accompanied by the recognition of complex Rho GTPase modulation where targeting its signaling can improve some aspects of pathogenesis while exacerbating others in the same disease model. Future directions should emphasize the importance of elucidating how different Rho GTPases work in concert and how they produce such widespread yet different cellular responses during neurodegenerative disease progression.

scholarly journals Post-Translational Modification and Subcellular Compartmentalization: Emerging Concepts on the Regulation and Physiopathological Relevance of RhoGTPases

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1990
Author(s):  
Inmaculada Navarro-Lérida ◽  
Miguel Sánchez-Álvarez ◽  
Miguel Ángel del Pozo
Keyword(s):  
Rho Gtpases ◽  
Rho Gtpase ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Cell Polarization ◽  
Small Gtpase ◽  
Post Translational Modification ◽  
Functional Regulation ◽  
Subcellular Compartmentalization ◽  
Cellular Compartments

Cells and tissues are continuously exposed to both chemical and physical stimuli and dynamically adapt and respond to this variety of external cues to ensure cellular homeostasis, regulated development and tissue-specific differentiation. Alterations of these pathways promote disease progression—a prominent example being cancer. Rho GTPases are key regulators of the remodeling of cytoskeleton and cell membranes and their coordination and integration with different biological processes, including cell polarization and motility, as well as other signaling networks such as growth signaling and proliferation. Apart from the control of GTP–GDP cycling, Rho GTPase activity is spatially and temporally regulated by post-translation modifications (PTMs) and their assembly onto specific protein complexes, which determine their controlled activity at distinct cellular compartments. Although Rho GTPases were traditionally conceived as targeted from the cytosol to the plasma membrane to exert their activity, recent research demonstrates that active pools of different Rho GTPases also localize to endomembranes and the nucleus. In this review, we discuss how PTM-driven modulation of Rho GTPases provides a versatile mechanism for their compartmentalization and functional regulation. Understanding how the subcellular sorting of active small GTPase pools occurs and what its functional significance is could reveal novel therapeutic opportunities.

scholarly journals Identification and characterization of a new isoform of small GTPase RhoE

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Dai ◽  
Weijia Luo ◽  
Xiaojing Yue ◽  
Wencai Ma ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rho Gtpase ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Small Gtpase ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Coding Region ◽  
Alternative Translation ◽  
Rho Family ◽  
Binding Capability ◽  
Identification And Characterization

Abstract The Rho family of GTPases consists of 20 members including RhoE. Here, we discover the existence of a short isoform of RhoE designated as RhoEα, the first Rho GTPase isoform generated from alternative translation. Translation of this new isoform is initiated from an alternative start site downstream of and in-frame with the coding region of the canonical RhoE. RhoEα exhibits a similar subcellular distribution while its protein stability is higher than RhoE. RhoEα contains binding capability to RhoE effectors ROCK1, p190RhoGAP and Syx. The distinct transcriptomes of cells with the expression of RhoE and RhoEα, respectively, are demonstrated. The data propose distinctive and overlapping biological functions of RhoEα compared to RhoE. In conclusion, this study reveals a new Rho GTPase isoform generated from alternative translation. The discovery provides a new scope of understanding the versatile functions of small GTPases and underlines the complexity and diverse roles of small GTPases.

scholarly journals Regulation of Rho GTPases in the Vasculature by Cullin3-Based E3 Ligase Complexes

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabienne Podieh ◽  
Peter L. Hordijk
Keyword(s):  
Rho Gtpases ◽  
Vascular Function ◽  
Rho Gtpase ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
E3 Ligase ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
E3 Ligases ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Ubiquitin E3 Ligase ◽  
Cytoskeletal Dynamics

Cullin3-based ubiquitin E3 ligases induce ubiquitination of substrates leading to their proteasomal or lysosomal degradation. BTB proteins serve as adaptors by binding to Cullin3 and recruiting substrate proteins, which enables specific recognition of a broad spectrum of targets. Hence, Cullin3 and its adaptors are involved in myriad cellular processes and organ functions. Cullin3-based ubiquitin E3 ligase complexes target small GTPases of the Rho subfamily, which are key regulators of cytoskeletal dynamics and cell adhesion. In this mini review, we discuss recent insights in Cullin3-mediated regulation of Rho GTPases and their impact on cellular function and disease. Intriguingly, upstream regulators of Rho GTPases are targeted by Cullin3 complexes as well. Thus, Rho GTPase signaling is regulated by Cullin3 on multiple levels. In addition, we address current knowledge of Cullin3 in regulating vascular function, focusing on its prominent role in endothelial barrier function, angiogenesis and the regulation of blood pressure.

scholarly journals Grit, a GTPase-Activating Protein for the Rho Family, Regulates Neurite Extension through Association with the TrkA Receptor and N-Shc and CrkL/Crk Adapter Molecules

2002 ◽  
Vol 22 (24) ◽  
pp. 8721-8734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takeshi Nakamura ◽  
Misako Komiya ◽  
Kiyoaki Sone ◽  
Eiji Hirose ◽  
Noriko Gotoh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tyrosine Kinases ◽  
Rho Gtpases ◽  
Rho Gtpase ◽  
Neuronal Cells ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Gtpase Activating Protein ◽  
Interacting Protein ◽  
High Affinity Receptor ◽  
Rho Family

ABSTRACT Neurotrophins are key regulators of the fate and shape of neuronal cells and act as guidance cues for growth cones by remodeling the actin cytoskeleton. Actin dynamics is controlled by Rho GTPases. We identified a novel Rho GTPase-activating protein (Grit) for Rho/Rac/Cdc42 small GTPases. Grit was abundant in neuronal cells and directly interacted with TrkA, a high-affinity receptor for nerve growth factor (NGF). Another pool of Grit was recruited to the activated receptor tyrosine kinase through its binding to N-Shc and CrkL/Crk, adapter molecules downstream of activated receptor tyrosine kinases. Overexpression of the TrkA-binding region of Grit inhibited NGF-induced neurite elongation. Further, we found some tendency for neurite promotion in full-length Grit-overexpressing PC12 cells upon NGF stimulation. These results suggest that Grit, a novel TrkA-interacting protein, regulates neurite outgrowth by modulating the Rho family of small GTPases.

scholarly journals Multiple Sequence Elements Facilitate Chp Rho GTPase Subcellular Location, Membrane Association, and Transforming Activity

2006 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 3108-3121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily J. Chenette ◽  
Natalia Y. Mitin ◽  
Channing J. Der
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Rho Gtpases ◽  
Rho Gtpase ◽  
Subcellular Location ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Membrane Association ◽  
Basic Amino Acids ◽  
Sequence Elements ◽  
Transforming Activity ◽  
Carboxy Terminal

Cdc42 homologous protein (Chp) is a member of the Rho family of small GTPases and shares significant sequence and functional similarity with Cdc42. However, unlike classical Rho GTPases, we recently found that Chp depends on palmitoylation, rather than prenylation, for association with cellular membranes. Because palmitoylation alone is typically not sufficient to promote membrane association, we evaluated the possibility that other carboxy-terminal residues facilitate Chp subcellular association with membranes. We found that Chp membrane association and transforming activity was dependent on the integrity of a stretch of basic amino acids in the carboxy terminus of Chp and that the basic amino acids were not simply part of a palmitoyl acyltransferase recognition motif. We also determined that the 11 carboxy-terminal residues alone were sufficient to promote Chp plasma and endomembrane association. Interestingly, stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-α activated only endomembrane-associated Chp. Finally, we found that Chp membrane association was not disrupted by Rho guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitory proteins, which are negative regulators of Cdc42 membrane association and biological activity. In summary, the unique carboxy-terminal sequence elements that promote Chp subcellular location and function expand the complexity of mechanisms by which the cellular functions of Rho GTPases are regulated.

scholarly journals Rho GTPases: molecular switches that control the organization and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton

2000 ◽  
Vol 355 (1399) ◽  
pp. 965-970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Hall ◽  
Catherine D. Nobes
Keyword(s):  
Actin Cytoskeleton ◽  
Rho Gtpases ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Fundamental Property ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Membrane Receptors ◽  
Embryonic Cells ◽  
Filamentous Actin ◽  
Rho Family ◽  
Plasma Membrane Receptors

The actin cytoskeleton plays a fundamental role in all eukaryotic cells—it is a major determinant of cell morphology and polarity and the assembly and disassembly of filamentous actin structures provides a driving force for dynamic processes such as cell motility, phagocytosis, growth cone guidance and cytokinesis. The ability to reorganize actin filaments is a fundamental property of embryonic cells during development; the shape changes accompanying gastrulation and dorsal closure, for example, are dependent on the plasticity of the actin cytoskeleton, while the ability of cells or cell extensions, such as axons, to migrate within the developing embryo requires rapid and spatially organized changes to the actin cytoskeleton in response to the external environment. W ork in mammalian cells over the last decade has demonstrated the central role played by the highly conserved Rho family of small GTPases in signal transduction pathways that link plasma membrane receptors to the organization of the actin cytoskeleton.

scholarly journals The Atypical Rho GTPase CHW-1 Works With SAX-3/Robo to Mediate Axon Guidance in Caenorhabditis elegans

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie K. Alan ◽  
Sara Robinson ◽  
Katie Magsig ◽  
Rafael S. Demarco ◽  
Erik A. Lundquist
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Axon Guidance ◽  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Rho Gtpases ◽  
Rho Gtpase ◽  
Genetic Interaction ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Axon Pathfinding ◽  
Rho Proteins ◽  
C Elegans

AbstractDuring development, neuronal cells extend an axon towards their target destination in response to a cue to form a properly functioning nervous system. Rho proteins, Ras-related small GTPases that regulate cytoskeletal organization and dynamics, cell adhesion, and motility, are known to regulate axon guidance. Despite extensive knowledge about canonical Rho proteins (RhoA/Rac1/Cdc42), little is known about the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) atypical Cdc42-like family members CHW-1 and CRP-1 in regards to axon pathfinding and neuronal migration. chw-1(Chp/Wrch) encodes a protein that resembles human Chp (Wrch-2/RhoV) and Wrch-1 (RhoU), and crp-1 encodes for a protein that resembles TC10 and TCL. Here, we show that chw-1 works redundantly with crp-1 and cdc-42 in axon guidance. Furthermore, proper levels of chw-1 expression and activity are required for proper axon guidance. When examining CHW-1 GTPase mutants, we found that the native CHW-1 protein is likely partially activated, and mutations at a conserved residue (position 12 using Ras numbering, position 18 in CHW-1) alter axon guidance and neural migration. Additionally, we showed that chw-1 genetically interacts with the guidance receptor sax-3 in PDE neurons. Finally, in VD/DD motor neurons, chw-1 works downstream of sax-3 to control axon guidance. In summary, this is the first study implicating the atypical Rho GTPases chw-1 and crp-1 in axon guidance. Furthermore, this is the first evidence of genetic interaction between chw-1 and the guidance receptor sax-3. These data suggest that chw-1 is likely acting downstream and/or in parallel to sax-3 in axon guidance.

scholarly journals Rho family GTPases control entry of Shigella flexneri into epithelial cells but not intracellular motility

1999 ◽  
Vol 112 (13) ◽  
pp. 2069-2080 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Mounier ◽  
V. Laurent ◽  
A. Hall ◽  
P. Fort ◽  
M.F. Carlier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Rho Gtpases ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Rho Gtpase ◽  
Shigella Flexneri ◽  
Intercellular Junctions ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Comet Tail ◽  
Rho Family ◽  
Intracellular Motility

Shigella flexneri, an invasive bacterial pathogen, promotes formation of two cytoskeletal structures: the entry focus that mediates bacterial uptake into epithelial cells and the actin-comet tail that enables the bacteria to spread intracellularly. During the entry step, secretion of bacterial invasins causes a massive burst of subcortical actin polymerization leading the formation of localised membrane projections. Fusion of these membrane ruffles leads to bacterial internalization. Inside the cytoplasm, polar expression of the IcsA protein on the bacterial surface allows polymerization of actin filaments and their organization into an actin-comet tail leading to bacterial spread. The Rho family of small GTPases plays an essential role in the organization and regulation of cellular cytoskeletal structures (i.e. filopodia, lamellipodia, adherence plaques and intercellular junctions). We show here that induction of Shigella entry foci is controlled by the Cdc42, Rac and Rho GTPases, but not by RhoG. In contrast, actin-driven intracellular motility of Shigella does not require Rho GTPases. Therefore, Shigella appears to manipulate the epithelial cell cytoskeleton both by Rho GTPase-dependent and -independent processes.

scholarly journals Title: In vivo phosphatidylserine variations steer Rho GTPase signaling in a cell-context dependent manner

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthieu Pierre Platre ◽  
Vincent Bayle ◽  
Laia Armengot ◽  
Joseph Bareille ◽  
Maria Mar Marques-Bueno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Rho Gtpases ◽  
Rho Gtpase ◽  
Plant Root ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Small Gtpase ◽  
Auxin Signaling ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Downstream Signaling

AbstractRho GTPases are master regulators of cell signaling, but how they are regulated depending on the cellular context is unclear. Here, we show that the phospholipid phosphatidylserine acts as a developmentally-controlled lipid rheostat that tunes Rho GTPase signaling in Arabidopsis. Live super-resolution single molecule imaging revealed that RHO-OF-PLANT6 (ROP6) is stabilized by phosphatidylserine into plasma membrane (PM) nanodomains, which is required for auxin signaling. Furthermore, we uncovered that the PM phosphatidylserine content varies during plant root development and that the level of phosphatidylserine modulates the quantity of ROP6 nanoclusters induced by auxin and hence downstream signaling, including regulation of endocytosis and gravitropism. Our work reveals that variations in phosphatidylserine levels are a physiological process that may be leveraged to regulate small GTPase signaling during development.One Sentence SummaryPhosphatidylserine acts as a developmentally-controlled lipid rheostat that regulates cellular auxin sensitivity and plant development.

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