ARHGAP31 : Rho GTPase activating protein 31
Description
The ARHGAP31 (Rho GTPase activating protein 31) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 3.
The ARHGAP31 gene provides instructions for making a protein that acts as a Rho GTPase activating protein (GAP). GAPs deactivate proteins called GTPases, which are vital for cellular signaling. GTPases, often called molecular switches, can be activated and deactivated. They are active when bound to a molecule called GTP and inactive when bound to GDP. The ARHGAP31 protein inactivates Cdc42 and Rac1 GTPases by triggering a reaction that replaces GTP with GDP. When active, Cdc42 and Rac1 transmit signals essential for various aspects of embryonic development. ARHGAP31 appears to regulate these GTPases specifically during the development of limbs, skull, and heart.
ARHGAP31 is also known as AOS, AOS1, CDGAP.
