Regulation of cell function by Rho family GTPases

Rho GTPases act as molecular switches to control many basic cellular activi ties that are also critical to the specialized functions of phagocytic leuk ocytes. Our laboratory has studied the regulation of Rho GTPase function, h ow these GTPases interact with specific effecters to modulate cell function , and how these events are coordinated in the stimulated cell. Areas of maj or interest include NADPH oxidase regulation by Rac2, Rac- and Cdc42-mediat ed control of the actin-myosin cytoskeleton via p21-activated kinase (PAK), and modulation of the apoptotic program by Rho GTPases and PAK.