ARHGEF4
Description
The ARHGEF4 (Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 4) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 2.
ARHGEF4 (Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 4) is a protein encoded by the ARHGEF4 gene in humans. It plays a role in cellular processes initiated by extracellular stimuli that work through G protein-coupled receptors. ARHGEF4 may form a complex with G proteins and stimulate Rho-dependent signals. It is similar to the rat collybistin protein. Alternative splicing of the ARHGEF4 gene generates two transcript variants that encode different isoforms. Additionally, there is the possibility of using multiple polyadenylation sites for this gene. ARHGEF4 has been shown to interact with APC.
ARHGEF4 acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for the Rho GTPases RHOA, RAC1, and CDC42. Binding of the protein APC can activate RAC1 GEF activity. The APC-ARHGEF4 complex participates in cell migration and E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion. ARHGEF4 is essential for MMP9 upregulation through the JNK signaling pathway in colorectal tumor cells. It is involved in tumor angiogenesis and may contribute to intestinal adenoma formation and tumor progression.
ARHGEF4 is also known as ASEF, ASEF1, GEF4, SMIM39, STM6.
