Chimaerins: GAPs that bridge diacylglycerol signalling and the small G-protein Rac

Chengfeng Yang, Marcelo G. Kazanietz

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

Chimaerins are the only known RhoGAPs (Rho GTPase-activating proteins) that bind phorbol ester tumour promoters and the lipid second messenger DAG (diacylglycerol), and show specific GAP activity towards the small GTPase Rac. This review summarizes our knowledge of the structure, biochemical and biological properties of chimaerins. Recent findings have established that chimaerins are regulated by tyrosine kinase and GPCRs (G-protein-coupled receptors) via PLC (phospholipase C) activation and DAG generation to promote Rac inactivation. The finding that chimaerins, along with some other proteins, are receptors for DAG changed the prevalent view that PKC (protein kinase C) isoenzymes are the only cellular molecules regulated by DAG. In addition, vigorous recent studies have begun to decipher the critical roles of chimaerins in the central nervous system, development and tumour progression.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-12
Number of pages12
JournalBiochemical Journal
Volume403
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2007

Keywords

  • Chimaerin
  • Diacylglycerol (DAG)
  • Phorbol ester
  • Protein kinase C (PKC)
  • Rac GTPase-activating protein (RacGAP)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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