RHOV Human

The Ras Homolog Gene Family Member V (RHOV), also known as Wnt-1 Responsive Cdc42 Homolog (WRCH-2), is a protein-coding gene that plays a significant role in various cellular processes. This gene is part of the Rho family of GTPases, which are small signaling G proteins (guanine nucleotide-binding proteins) that regulate a wide range of cellular functions, including cell morphology, migration, endocytosis, and cell cycle progression .

RHOV is located on chromosome 15 in humans and encodes a protein that is involved in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. The protein product of RHOV is a GTPase, which means it can bind and hydrolyze guanosine triphosphate (GTP). The RHOV protein has a unique structure that allows it to interact with other proteins and cellular components to transmit signals within the cell .

The primary function of RHOV is to act as a molecular switch within the cell. It cycles between an active GTP-bound state and an inactive GDP-bound state. When bound to GTP, RHOV can interact with various effector proteins to initiate signaling pathways that control cell shape, movement, and growth. One of the key pathways regulated by RHOV is the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, which is involved in controlling the actin cytoskeleton .

RHOV is also implicated in the Wnt signaling pathway, which is crucial for cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. The protein’s ability to regulate the actin cytoskeleton makes it essential for processes such as cell projection assembly and endocytosis .

Mutations or dysregulation of RHOV have been associated with several diseases. For instance, alterations in RHOV expression have been linked to dystonia 26, myoclonic, and multiple benign circumferential skin creases on limbs. These conditions highlight the importance of RHOV in maintaining normal cellular functions and its potential role in disease pathogenesis .

Human recombinant RHOV is used in various research applications to study its function and role in cellular processes. Recombinant proteins are produced through recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the gene encoding RHOV into an expression system to produce the protein in large quantities. This allows researchers to investigate the protein’s structure, function, and interactions in detail.

Studies on RHOV and other Rho GTPases have provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cell signaling and cytoskeletal dynamics. These findings have potential therapeutic implications, particularly in the development of treatments for diseases associated with Rho GTPase dysregulation .