Abstract
Rhotekin is an effector protein for small GTPase Rho. This protein consists of a Rho binding domain (RBD), a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, two proline-rich regions and a C-terminal PDZ (PSD-95, Discs-large, and ZO-1)-binding motif. We, and other groups, have identified various binding partners for Rhotekin and carried out biochemical and cell biological characterization. However, the physiological functions of Rhotekin, per se, are as of yet largely unknown. In this review, we summarize known features of Rhotekin and its binding partners in neuronal tissues and cancer cells.
Highlights
The small GTPase Rho plays important roles in various cellular processes, including: Actin cytoskeletal reorganization; cell morphology; cell motility and tumor cell invasion; transcriptional regulation; and, cytokinesis [1,2]
These results suggest that Rhotekin is an important linker between Rho signaling and Septin complexes
We have recently demonstrated the localization of PIST at the Golgi-apparatus in non-polarized epithelial MDCK (Madin-Darby canine kidney) cells and adherens junctions (AJs) in the polarized cells, indicating that PIST may be recruited from the cytosol to AJs during cell polarization [32]
Summary
The small GTPase Rho plays important roles in various cellular processes, including: Actin cytoskeletal reorganization; cell morphology; cell motility and tumor cell invasion; transcriptional regulation; and, cytokinesis [1,2]. The RBD of Rhotekin selectively interacts with GTP-bound active Rho, and this domain inhibits both intrinsic and GTPase-activating protein (GAP)-enhanced GTPase activity of Rho [6]. Using these features of Rhotekin-RBD, the recombinant protein has been utilized for monitoring the activated state of Rho [13]. Among various potential effector proteins interacting with activated Rho, physiological functions have been revealed in some molecules, such as Rho-kinase/ROCK(Rho-associated, coiled-coil-containing protein kinase) and mDia(mouse Diaphanous), through intensive investigations. We summarize physiological features of Rhotekin and its binding partners
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