Background:
Rho GTPases control a variety of cellular processes. There are 3 subtypes of Rho GTPases in the Ras superfamily of small G proteins: RHO (see MIM 165370), RAC (see RAC1; MIM 602048), and CDC42 (MIM 116952). GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) bind activated forms of Rho GTPases and stimulate GTP hydrolysis. Through this catalytic function, Rho GAPs negatively regulate Rho-mediated signals. GAPs may also serve as effector molecules and play a role in signaling downstream of Rho and other Ras-like GTPases.