Rho GTPases are GTP binding proteins that regulate a wide spectrum of cellular functions. These cellular processes include cytoskeletal rearrangements, gene transcription, cell growth and motility. Activation of Rho GTPases is under the direct control of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). p114RgoGEF cts as guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for RhoA GTPases. It may play a role in actin cytoskeleton reorganization in different tissues since its activation induces formation of actin stress fibers. It also act as a GEF for RAC1, inducing production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but does not act as a GEF for CDC42. The G protein beta-gamma (Gbetagamma) subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins act as activators, explaining the integrated effects of LPA and other G-protein coupled receptor agonists on actin stress fiber formation, cell shape change and ROS production.
[1] "Prediction of the coding sequences of unidentified human genes. IX. The complete sequences of 100 new cDNA clones from brain which can code for large proteins in vitro."Nagase T., Ishikawa K., Miyajima N., Tanaka A., Kotani H., Nomura N., Ohara O.DNA
