What are the mechanisms through which Rho GTPases influence Cancer?
Rho GTPases influence cancer through multiple mechanisms: 1. Cell Cycle Control: Rho GTPases regulate the cell cycle by influencing the activity of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases. 2. Cytoskeletal Dynamics: They affect actin cytoskeleton remodeling, which is vital for cell motility and invasion. 3. Transcriptional Regulation: Rho GTPases can modulate the activity of transcription factors like NF-κB and STAT3, driving the expression of genes involved in cell survival and proliferation. 4. Cell-Cell Adhesion: By regulating adherens junctions and tight junctions, Rho GTPases influence cell adhesion, a critical factor in metastasis.