Taking Rho GTPases to the next level: the cellular functions of atypical Rho GTPases

Abstract

The Rho GTPases are influential regulators of signalling pathways that control vital cellular processes such as cytoskeletal dynamics, gene transcription, cell cycle progression and cell transformation. A vast majority of the studies involving Rho GTPases have been focused to the famous triad, Cdc42, Rac1 and RhoA, but this protein family actually harbours 20 members. Recently, the less known Rho GTPases have received increased attention. Many of the less studied Rho GTPases have structural, as well as, functional features which makes it pertinent to classify them as atypical Rho GTPases. This review article will focus on the critical aspects of the atypical Rho GTPases, RhoH, Wrch-1, Chp and RhoBTB. These proteins are involved in a broad spectre of biological processes, such as cytoskeletal dynamics, T-cell signalling and protein ubiquitinylation. We will also discuss the roles of atypical Rho GTPases as oncogenes or tumour suppressors, as well as their potential involvement in human diseases.