RHOQ Human

The Ras Homolog Gene Family Member Q (RHOQ), also known as TC10, is a member of the Rho family of small GTPases. These proteins are pivotal in regulating various cellular processes, including cytoskeletal dynamics, cell shape, attachment, and motility. The RHOQ gene encodes a protein that cycles between an inactive GDP-bound state and an active GTP-bound state, functioning as a molecular switch in signal transduction pathways .

The RHOQ gene is located on chromosome 2 and is a protein-coding gene. The protein encoded by RHOQ is involved in several critical cellular pathways, including signaling by Rho GTPases and the trafficking of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) to the plasma membrane . The protein has a molecular weight of approximately 22 kDa and consists of 202 amino acids .

RHOQ plays a significant role in the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, which is essential for cell shape and motility. It is particularly important in epithelial cell polarization processes. The active GTP-bound form of RHOQ binds to various effector proteins to regulate cellular responses. One of its notable functions is in the exocytosis of the solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 4 (GLUT4), and other proteins, potentially acting as a signal that activates the membrane fusion machinery .

Mutations or dysregulation of RHOQ can have significant implications for human health. For instance, alterations in RHOQ activity have been linked to various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. The protein’s role in CFTR trafficking also suggests its potential involvement in cystic fibrosis .

Recombinant human RHOQ is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the RHOQ gene into an expression system to produce the protein in large quantities. This recombinant protein is used in various research applications, including studies on cell signaling, cytoskeletal dynamics, and disease mechanisms .