The internal structure of a cell can be affected by signals in the form of small molecules outside the cell. These changes can then alter the shape or adhesiveness of the cell. This volume centers particularly on one family of cellular proteins which transmit these signals, the Rho Ras-like GTPases, and examines their role in normal cellular processes and development. Also discussed are their roles in cancer formation and microbial pathogenesis.

Rho Family Proteins and Regulation of the Actin Cytoskeleton

1 Introduction
2 Structure and Regulation of Rho Family Proteins
3 Rho Family Proteins and Growth Factor-Induced Actin Reorganization
4 Rho Family Proteins and Cell Adhesion
5 Rho Family Proteins and Cytokinesis
6 Other Responses Regulated by Rho Family Proteins
7 Conclusions
References
Regulation of Cytoskeleton and Cell Adhesion by Rho Targets
1 Introduction
2 Regulation of Rho Activity
3 Functions of Rho
4 Rho Targets
5 Functions of Rho Targets
6 Conclusion
References
Rnd Proteins: A New Family of Rho-Related Proteins That Interfere with the Assembly of Filamentous Actin Structures and Cell Adhesion
1 Introduction
2 Characterisation of Three New Members of the Rho Family
3 Biochemical Properties of Rndl: G-Proteins That Do Not Switch?
4 Expression in Tissues and Localization of Rndl in the Brain
5 Effects of Rndl Expression on the Formation of Actin Stress Fibers
6 Localization of Rndl in Swiss 3T3 Fibroblasts and Microinjected MDCK Cells
7 A Role for Rnd Proteins in Transformation?
8 Rnd Proteins and Targets of Farnesyl-Transferase Inhibitors
9 Conclusions
References
The DH Protein Family, Exchange Factors for Rho-Like GTPases
1 Introduction
2 Identification of DH Proteins, GEFs for Rho-Like GTPases
3 Structure and Function of DH Proteins
4 Cellular Functions of DH Proteins
5 DH Proteins in Signaling Pathways
6 Concluding Remarks
References
RhoGAPs and RhoGDIs (His)stories of Two Families
1 RhoGDI (GDP Dissociation Inhibitors): Who Needs Them?
2 GTPase Activating Proteins (GAPs) for Rho-Like GTPases: A Catalytic Module Found Within a Plethora of Multifunctional Proteins
3 Conclusions
References
Roles of PAK Family Kinases
1Introduction
2 Distribution of PAK Family Kinases
3 Regulation of PAK Activity
4 Functions of Fungal Ste20p/PAK-Like Kinases
5 PAKs and Phosphorylation Pathways
6 PAK and Cellular Transformation
7 Morphological Roles for PAK Downstream of Cdc42 and Rac
8 Activities Associated with the Various Domains of PAK
9 Conclusions
References
Rac and Cdc42 Effectors
1 Introduction
2 Effector Proteins of Rac and Cdc42
3 Concluding Remarks
References
Small GTPases of the Rho Family and Cell Transformation
1 Introduction
2 Rho Proteins and Cell Transformation
3 Cross-Talk Between Ras and Rho-Dependent Pathways in Cell Transformation
4 Signalling Pathways Downstream of Rho Proteins Involved in Cell Transformation
5 Rho Proteins and Apoptosis
6 Concluding Remarks
References
Rho GTP-Binding Proteins as Targets for Microbial Pathogens
1 Introduction
2 Microbial Pathogens and the Epithelial Cell Actin Cytoskeleton
3 Interaction of Bacterial Protein Toxins with the Rho Subfamily of GTP-Binding Proteins
4 Invasive Bacterial Factors and the Rho Subfamily of GTP-Binding Proteins
References
Rho GTPases in Development
1 Introduction
2 The Rho Family of Small GTPases
3 Genetic Analysis of Rho GTPases in Drosophila Development
4 Rho Family GTPases in C. elegans
5 Rho GTPase Function in Mammals
6 Summary
References
Erratum.