RhoC
Encyclopedia
RhoC is a small (~21 kDa) signaling G protein
(more specifically a GTPase
), and is a member of the Rac subfamily of the family Rho family of GTPases
. It is encoded by the gene RHOC.
It is prenylated at its C-terminus, and localizes to the cytoplasm and plasma membrane. It is thought to be important in cell locomotion. Overexpression of this gene is associated with tumor cell invasion and metastasis
. RhoC-deficient mice can still develop tumors but these fail to metastasize, arguing that RhoC is essential for metastasis.
G protein
G proteins are a family of proteins involved in transmitting chemical signals outside the cell, and causing changes inside the cell. They communicate signals from many hormones, neurotransmitters, and other signaling factors. G protein-coupled receptors are transmembrane receptors...
(more specifically a GTPase
GTPase
GTPases are a large family of hydrolase enzymes that can bind and hydrolyze guanosine triphosphate . The GTP binding and hydrolysis takes place in the highly conserved G domain common to all GTPases.-Functions:...
), and is a member of the Rac subfamily of the family Rho family of GTPases
Rho family of GTPases
The Rho family of GTPases is a family of small signaling G protein , and is a subfamily of the Ras superfamily. The members of the Rho GTPase family have been shown to regulate many aspects of intracellular actin dynamics, and are found in all eukaryotic organisms including yeasts and some plants...
. It is encoded by the gene RHOC.
Mechanism and function
It cycles between inactive GDP-bound and active GTP-bound states and function as molecular switches in signal transduction cascades. Rho proteins promote reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and regulate cell shape and motility. RhoC can activate formins such as mDia1 and FMNL2 to remodel the cytoskelton.It is prenylated at its C-terminus, and localizes to the cytoplasm and plasma membrane. It is thought to be important in cell locomotion. Overexpression of this gene is associated with tumor cell invasion and metastasis
Metastasis
Metastasis, or metastatic disease , is the spread of a disease from one organ or part to another non-adjacent organ or part. It was previously thought that only malignant tumor cells and infections have the capacity to metastasize; however, this is being reconsidered due to new research...
. RhoC-deficient mice can still develop tumors but these fail to metastasize, arguing that RhoC is essential for metastasis.
Further reading
External links
- UCSD-Nature Molecule Pages Published online: 16 Sep 2008 | doi:10.1038/mp.a002065.01