ARHGAP1

ARHGAP1, also known as Rho GTPase-activating protein 1, is a human gene encoding a member of the RhoGAP family that regulates the activity of Rho family small GTPases. RhoGAPs accelerate the intrinsic GTPase activity of Rho proteins, converting them from active GTP-bound forms to inactive GDP-bound forms and thereby turning off Rho signaling pathways.

ARHGAP1 is implicated in the control of cytoskeletal dynamics, cell morphology, adhesion, and motility. By inactivating Rho GTPases such as RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42, it influences actin filament organization, focal adhesion turnover, and vesicular trafficking, affecting processes including endocytosis and membrane trafficking in various cell types.

Regulation of ARHGAP1 is mediated by cellular signaling and post-translational modifications. The protein can be recruited to cellular membranes and endosomal compartments in response to upstream cues, and phosphorylation by kinases can modulate its activity and interactions with other signaling molecules. It participates in signaling networks through interactions with adaptor and scaffolding proteins, enabling integration into pathways that govern cytoskeletal remodeling.

ARHGAP1 is broadly expressed in human tissues and conserved across vertebrates. In addition to its basic cellular roles, changes in ARHGAP1 expression or function have been observed in certain cancers and other diseases characterized by altered cell migration and trafficking, underscoring its role in regulating dynamic cellular behavior.