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Updated: Oct 22, 2025

Detection of Small GTPase Prenylation and GTP Binding Using Membrane Fractionation and GTPase-linked Immunosorbent Assay
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Post-Translational Modification and Subcellular Compartmentalization: Emerging Concepts on the Regulation and

Inmaculada Navarro-Lérida1,2, Miguel Sánchez-Álvarez2, Miguel Ángel Del Pozo2

  • 1Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Department of Molecular Biology, Campus de Cantoblanco, School of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain.

Cells
|August 27, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Rho GTPases regulate cell structure and function. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) control their location and activity, influencing cellular processes and disease, offering potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cells respond to external stimuli to maintain homeostasis, development, and differentiation.
  • Dysregulation of cellular pathways, particularly Rho GTPase signaling, is implicated in diseases like cancer.
  • Rho GTPases are crucial for cytoskeleton remodeling, cell motility, polarization, and proliferation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of post-translational modifications (PTMs) in regulating Rho GTPase compartmentalization and function.
  • To highlight the emerging understanding of Rho GTPase localization beyond the plasma membrane, including endomembranes and the nucleus.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting PTM-driven Rho GTPase regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on Rho GTPase regulation by PTMs.
  • Analysis of studies investigating Rho GTPase subcellular localization.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on the functional implications of Rho GTPase compartmentalization.

Main Results:

  • Rho GTPase activity is precisely controlled by PTMs and protein complex assembly.
  • Active Rho GTPase pools are found not only at the plasma membrane but also on endomembranes and in the nucleus.
  • PTM-driven compartmentalization provides versatile mechanisms for Rho GTPase functional regulation.

Conclusions:

  • PTMs are key determinants of Rho GTPase subcellular localization and activity.
  • Understanding the spatial and temporal regulation of Rho GTPases is critical for comprehending cellular processes and disease.
  • Targeting PTM-mediated Rho GTPase regulation may offer novel therapeutic strategies for diseases like cancer.
Keywords:
Rho GTPasescell mechanoadaptationcytoskeletondiseasenucleusplasma membrane (PM)post-translational modifications (PTMs)subcellular compartmentalization

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