Zizimin1, a novel Cdc42 activator, reveals a new GEF domain for Rho proteins.
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Meller N, Irani-Tehrani M, Kiosses WB, Del Pozo MA, Schwartz MA
Zizimin1, a novel Cdc42 activator, reveals a new GEF domain for Rho proteins.
Nat Cell Biol. 2002 Sep;4(9):639-47.
- PubMed ID
- 12172552 [ View in PubMed]
- Abstract
The Rho family GTPases Rac, Rho and Cdc42 are critical in regulating the actin-based cytoskeleton, cell migration, growth, survival and gene expression. These GTPases are activated by guanine nucleotide-exchange factors (GEFs). A biochemical search for Cdc42 activators led to the cloning of zizimin1, a new protein whose overexpression induces Cdc42 activation. Sequence comparison combined with mutational analysis identified a new domain, which we named CZH2, that mediates direct interaction with Cdc42. CZH2-containing proteins constitute a new superfamily that includes the so-called 'CDM' proteins that bind to and activate Rac. Together, the results suggest that CZH2 is a new GEF domain for the Rho family of proteins.