Abstract
Rho GTPases are cytoskeleton-regulating proteins that mediate the formation of intercellular junctions. Their localized activation by Rho GEFs (guanine-nucleotide exchange factors) and the selective activation of downstream effectors have emerged as areas of active research in the cell adhesion field. We reported recently that the Rho-specific GEFs Syx (Synectin-binding RhoA exchange factor) and TEM4 (Tumor Endothelial Marker 4) are both essential for endothelial junction maturation and barrier function. Syx is recruited to cell contacts via its C-terminal PDZ binding motif and it's interaction with Mupp1 and the Crumbs polarity complex, while the junctional localization of TEM4 requires it's N-terminal domain and interaction with the cadherin-catenin complex. Our findings support multiple roles for RhoA in junction formation and maintenance. They also suggest that selective coupling of RhoA activation to Dia1 and/or ROCK signaling is critical for determining endothelial junction integrity.
Original language | English (US) |
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Journal | Tissue Barriers |
Volume | 1 |
Issue number | 5 |
State | Published - Dec 2013 |
Keywords
- Adhesion
- Cadherin
- Cell junctions
- Endothelial
- Epithelial
- GEFs
- References
- Rho GTPases
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry
- Histology
- Cell Biology