Isoform-specific differences between Rap1A and Rap1B GTPases in the formation of endothelial cell junctions.

ABSTRACT: Rap1 is a Ras-like GTPase that has been studied with respect to its role in cadherin-based cell adhesion. Rap1 exists as two separate isoforms, Rap1A and Rap1B, which are 95% identical and yet the phenotype of the isoform-specific knockout mice is different. We and others have previously identified a role for Rap1 in regulating endothelial adhesion, junctional integrity and barrier function; however, these early studies did not distinguish a relative role for each isoform. To dissect the individual contribution of each isoform in regulating the endothelial barrier, we utilized an engineered microRNA-based approach to silence Rap1A, Rap1B or both, then analyzed barrier properties of the endothelium. Electrical impedance sensing experiments show that Rap1A is the predominant isoform involved

SUBMITTER: Wittchen ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3136906 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature