ARHGAP18

ARHGAP18, also known as Rho GTPase activating protein 18, is a protein encoded by the ARHGAP18 gene in humans. It belongs to the RhoGAP family of proteins, which are GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) that regulate the activity of Rho GTPases.

Rho GTPases are a subgroup of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases. They act as molecular switches, cycling between an active, GTP-bound state and an inactive, GDP-bound state. This cycling is crucial for regulating a wide range of cellular processes, including cytoskeletal organization, cell adhesion, cell migration, and gene transcription.

ARHGAP18 functions by accelerating the intrinsic GTPase activity of Rho GTPases, effectively inactivating them. The specific Rho GTPases that ARHGAP18 targets and its precise regulatory role in vivo are still under investigation, but studies suggest involvement in processes related to cell morphology and potentially in developmental pathways.

The ARHGAP18 gene is expressed in various tissues. Mutations or altered expression of ARHGAP18 have been implicated in some diseases, although more research is needed to fully understand its pathological significance. Research continues to elucidate the precise function of ARHGAP18 and its role in cellular signaling and human health. Further investigation is also aimed at determining the specific upstream signals that regulate ARHGAP18 activity.