A brief account of Rho GTPases in retinal physiology and pathophysiology

Abstract

Rho GTPases are a class of proteins with pleiotropic cellular functions. RAS-related C3 botulinum substrate 1 (RAC1), cell division cycle 42 homolog (CDC42), and ras homolog gene family member A (RHOA) are three classical small GTPases and their role in the modulation of the cellular cytoskeleton has been intensely studied. Cytoskeletal modulations are important processes in cellular movement and neuronal growth cone dynamics. Recent work has shown that Rho GTPases are also involved in other cellular processes including development and apoptosis. This chapter will give a short overview of the role of Rho GTPases in the retina. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.