CCDC42
Exploring the World of Cdc42: A Molecular Player with Profound Impacts
Description
Cdc42 is a small GTPase protein that plays a crucial role in a wide range of cellular processes. It belongs to the Rho family of GTPases, which are key regulators of cell shape, polarity, and movement. Cdc42 is essential for the formation of actin structures, including filopodia, lamellipodia, and stress fibers. It also regulates cell cycle progression, cell migration, and differentiation.
Associated Diseases
Dysregulation of Cdc42 activity has been linked to several human diseases, including:
- Cancer: Cdc42 is frequently overexpressed in cancer cells, where it promotes cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.
- Neurodegenerative diseases: Impaired Cdc42 signaling contributes to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- Cardiovascular diseases: Cdc42 is involved in the regulation of blood vessel formation and function. Dysregulation of Cdc42 has been associated with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Did you Know ?
Cdc42 is one of the most frequently mutated genes in human cancers. In lung cancer, for example, Cdc42 mutations are found in approximately 10% of patients.
