Anti-CDC42

The protein encoded by this gene is a small GTPase of the Rho-subfamily, which regulates signaling pathways that control diverse cellular functions including cell morphology, migration, endocytosis and cell cycle progression. This protein is highly similar to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cdc 42, and is able to complement the yeast cdc42-1 mutant. The product of oncogene Dbl was reported to specifically catalyze the dissociation of GDP from this protein. This protein could regulate actin polymerization through its direct binding to Neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASP), which subsequently activates Arp2/3 complex. Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants. Pseudogenes of this gene have been identified on chromosomes 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 20. Protein function: Plasma membrane-associated small GTPase which cycles between an active GTP-bound and an inactive GDP-bound state. In active state binds to a variety of effector proteins to regulate cellular responses. Involved in epithelial cell polarization processes. Regulates the bipolar attachment of spindle microtubules to kinetochores before chromosome congression in metaphase. Plays a role in the extension and maintenance of the formation of thin, actin-rich surface projections called filopodia. Mediates CDC42-dependent cell migration. Required for DOCK10-mediated spine formation in Purkinje cells and hippocampal neurons. Facilitates filopodia formation upon DOCK11-activation. Also plays a role in phagocytosis through organization of the F-actin cytoskeleton associated with forming phagocytic cups. [The UniProt Consortium]