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Updated: May 11, 2026
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RhoC GTPase Activation Assay
Published on: August 23, 2010
RHO-GTPases and cancer
Erik Sahai1, Christopher J Marshall
1Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK. erik@icr.ac.uk
Nature Reviews. Cancer
|March 15, 2003
Summary
RAS oncogenes, identified 20 years ago, are small GTPases regulating cellular processes. The RHO protein family, a RAS branch, is implicated in cancer, prompting investigation into their roles and therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Cellular Signaling
Background:
- RAS oncogenes are key regulators of cellular processes, functioning as molecular switches.
- These proteins cycle between GTP-bound (active) and GDP-bound (inactive) states.
- Dysregulation of RAS signaling pathways is frequently observed in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the specific role of the RHO protein family, a RAS subfamily, in cancer development.
- To evaluate the RHO proteins as potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing research on RAS and RHO proteins.
- Bioinformatic analysis of RHO protein expression and mutation data in cancer datasets.
- Exploration of signaling pathways regulated by RHO proteins in oncogenesis.
Main Results:
- RHO proteins are involved in critical cellular functions including cell motility, adhesion, and proliferation, all relevant to cancer progression.
- Aberrant RHO signaling contributes to tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis.
- Specific RHO family members exhibit altered activity or expression in diverse cancer types.
Conclusions:
- The RHO protein family plays a significant role in cancer pathogenesis.
- Targeting RHO proteins represents a promising therapeutic strategy for various malignancies.
- Further research is warranted to develop effective RHO-targeted cancer therapies.
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