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Updated: Feb 1, 2026

Detection of Small GTPase Prenylation and GTP Binding Using Membrane Fractionation and GTPase-linked Immunosorbent Assay
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Activated Rho GTPases in Cancer-The Beginning of a New Paradigm

Pontus Aspenström1

  • 1Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology (IGP), Uppsala University, SE 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden. pontus.aspenstrom@igp.uu.se.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 15, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Rho GTPases, initially linked to cell structure, are now recognized as oncogenes in human cancers. Their dysregulation and mutations confirm their role in cancer progression.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Rho GTPases, part of the Ras superfamily, were initially associated with cytoskeletal regulation and cell motility.
  • Their direct involvement in cancer progression was debated due to a lack of clear evidence.
  • Dysregulation of Rho-GTPase pathways is frequently observed in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of Rho GTPases' roles in cancer.
  • To highlight the shift in paradigm regarding Rho GTPases from regulators of cell dynamics to oncogenes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Rho GTPases and cancer.
  • Analysis of findings related to Rho GTPase mutations and pathway dysregulation in tumors.

Main Results:

  • Identification of point mutants in Rho GTPases (Rac1, RhoA, Cdc42) in human tumors.
  • Confirmation that Rho GTPases can function as oncogenes in several human cancers.
  • Evidence supporting the dysregulation of Rho-regulated pathways in cancer progression.

Conclusions:

  • Rho GTPases are confirmed oncogenes in human cancers.
  • Activated Rho GTPases play significant roles in cancer development and progression.
  • Further research into Rho GTPase functions in cancer is warranted.
Keywords:
Rho GTPasesactinatypical Rho GTPasescell migrationoncogenesstress fibers

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