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ARHGEF gene family
Reviewed August 2012
What are the ARHGEF genes?The ARHGEF gene family provides instructions for making proteins known as Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). Rho GEFs turn on proteins called Rho GTPases, which are molecular switches that regulate many essential processes within cells. Rho GTPases are turned off (inactivated) when they are attached (bound) to a molecule called GDP and are turned on (activated) when they are bound to another molecule called GTP. Rho GEFs remove GDP and attach GTP to Rho GTPases in order to activate them. Active Rho GTPases bind to a variety of proteins (known as effectors) to regulate cellular processes including cell growth and division (proliferation), maturation (differentiation) of cells, cell movement, and progression of the cell through its replication cycle. Rho GTPases also play a role in regulating the first step in the production of proteins from genes (transcription) and the organization of the actin cytoskeleton, which is a network of fibers that make up the cell's structural framework. Mutations in genes within the ARHGEF gene family can impair the function of Rho GEF proteins, which disrupts the activation of Rho GTPases. Abnormal overactivation or underactivation of Rho GTPases affects the regulation of their effectors and the cellular processes that they control, which can lead to a variety of disorders. Mutations in the Rho GEF gene ALS2 can cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a condition characterized by progressive movement problems and muscle wasting. FGD1 gene mutations cause a developmental disorder known as Aarskog-Scott syndrome. Mutations in other ARHGEF genes are associated with intellectual disability or an increased risk of developing leukemia. Which genes are included in the ARHGEF gene family?The HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) provides a list of genes in the ARHGEF Genetics Home Reference summarizes the normal function and health implications of these members of the ARHGEF gene family: ALS2, FGD1, FGD4, and SOS1. What conditions are related to genes in the ARHGEF gene family?Genetics Home Reference includes these conditions related to genes in the ARHGEF gene family: Where can I find additional information about the ARHGEF gene family?You may find the following resources about the ARHGEF gene family helpful. Where can I find general information about genes and gene families?The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language. What glossary definitions help with understanding the ARHGEF gene family?actin ; cell ; cytoskeleton ; differentiation ; domain ; gene ; GTP ; guanine ; homologs ; juvenile ; leukemia ; molecule ; mutation ; nucleotide ; pH ; progression ; proliferation ; protein ; sclerosis ; syndrome ; transcription ; wasting You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary. See also Understanding Medical Terminology.
References (4 links)
The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook. |