arh-12

Transforming protein RhoA, also known as Rho cDNA clone 12, Ras homolog gene family member A, RHOA and ARH12, is a cell membrane and cytoplasm protein that belongs to the small GTPase superfamily and Rho family. The Rho family of small GTPases plays a key role in the dynamic regulation of the actin cytoskeleton that underlies various important cellular functions such as shape changes, migration, and polarity. RHOA ARH12 is part of a larger family of related proteins known as the Ras superfamily; proteins involved in the regulation and timing of cell division. RHOA ARH12 is a small GTPase protein known to regulate the actin cytoskeleton in the formation of stress fibers. It acts upon two known effector proteins: ROCK1 (Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1) and DIAPH1 ( diaphanous homolog 1 (Drosophila) ). RHOA ARH12 regulates a signal transduction pathway linking plasma membrane receptors to the assembly of focal adhesions and actin stress fibers. RHOA ARH12 serves as a target for the yopT cysteine peptidase from Yersinia pestis, vector of the plague, and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, which causes gastrointestinal disorders. RHOA ARH12 may be an activator of PLCE1. It is activated by ARHGEF2, which promotes the exchange of GDP for GTP.