Regulating small G protein signaling to coordinate axon adhesion and repulsion.

ABSTRACT: Small GTPases play critical roles in diverse biological events including regulating both the cytoskeletal and adhesive properties of cells. The importance of small GTPases to these events stems from their ability to be turned on and off, respectively, by specific GEFs and GAPs. In neurons, for example, regulation of small GTPase activity by extracellular guidance cues controls axonal and dendritic process shape, extension and navigation. Here, we discuss recent findings that indicate a specific regulator of small GTPase signaling, the Plexin transmembrane GAP, is differentially controlled by specific extracellular cues to guide growing axons. In particular, Plexins are receptors for one of the largest families of axon guidance cues, Semaphorins and negatively regulate cell morphology and m

SUBMITTER: Yang T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3620100 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan-Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature