Abstract
The Rho small GTPases regulate a variety of cellular functions, including proliferation, differentiation, vesicle trafficking, gene expression, adhesion, and motility. Among their well established essential roles is that of organizing the actin cytoskeleton, and this aspect of Rho GTPase function has led to the identification of important roles for various Rho family GTPases in a variety of actin-dependent cellular processes, including cell shape change, adhesion, and migration. As critical regulators of these actin-mediated processes, the Rho GTPases also function as essential regulators of many developmental processes. The morphogenesis of tissues in all developing multi-cellular organisms requires precise changes in cell shape and cell movements that depend on the various Rho GTPases. This has been observed in studies using sevefigureral different developmental model systems, including flies, worms, frogs, and mice. Here, we review the literature reporting functions for Rho GTPases and their associated signaling components in the context of embryonic development, adult physiology, and pathogenesis. In particular, the focus of the studies described here is on the mouse system, where transgenic and “knockout” strategies have played an especially important role in elucidating the in vivo organization and function of the various Rho signaling pathways.
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Sordella, R., Settleman, J. (2005). Genetic Analysis of Rho Protein Function in Mice. In: Manser, E. (eds) RHO Family GTPases. Proteins and Cell Regulation, vol 3. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-3462-8_11
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