ARHGEF11
Description
The ARHGEF11 (Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 11) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
ARHGEF11, also known as RhoGEF11 or PDZ-RhoGEF, is a protein encoded by the ARHGEF11 gene in humans. This protein serves as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for the RhoA small GTPase, a key regulator of cellular processes, particularly the actin cytoskeleton. ARHGEF11 is part of a group of four RhoGEF proteins activated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) coupled to the G12 and G13 heterotrimeric G proteins. These RhoGEFs act as effectors for G12 and G13 G proteins and are involved in G protein signaling. Interestingly, three of these RhoGEFs (including ARHGEF11) also function as RGS family GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) for G12/G13 alpha proteins, effectively limiting the duration of G protein activation.
ARHGEF11, also known as PDZ-RhoGEF, plays a role in regulating the activity of RhoA GTPase, a key protein involved in cell signaling and cytoskeletal organization. It does this by acting as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for RhoA, meaning it helps activate RhoA by promoting the exchange of GDP for GTP. Additionally, ARHGEF11 might also function as a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for GNA12 and GNA13, two proteins involved in G protein signaling pathways. This GAP activity helps inactivate GNA12 and GNA13, which may be necessary for proper regulation of RhoA signaling. Interestingly, ARHGEF11 is also implicated in the growth of nerve cell extensions, known as neurites, a process triggered by neurotrophins, a group of signaling molecules that promote nerve cell survival and growth.
ARHGEF11 is also known as GTRAP48, PDZ-RHOGEF.
