Rho GTPases: role in dendrite and axonal growth, mental retardation, and axonal regeneration.

摘要

Ras-homologous guanosine triphosphatases (Rho GTPases) are molecular switches that control the dynamics of the cytoskeleton and mediate the effects of multiple signals that regulate the growth and development of dendrites, dendritic spines, and axons. Mutations affecting Rho GTPase signaling are an important cause of mental retardation. These topics have been the subject of several excellent reviews.1-3 Some of the most salient concepts of the role of Rho GTPases in control of dendritic and axonal growth will be briefly summarized here because of their potential therapeutic implications. For example, inhibition of some Rho GTPase pathways may promote axonal regeneration in spinal cord injury.4"6