The PIX-GIT complex: a G protein signaling cassette in control of cell shape

Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2008 Jun;19(3):234-44. doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2008.01.002. Epub 2008 Jan 20.

Abstract

Arf and Rho GTP-binding proteins coordinately regulate membrane dynamics and cytoskeletal rearrangements. The Cdc42/Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor PIX and the Arf GTPase-activating protein GIT form a stable complex in cells. The PIX-GIT complex functions to integrate signaling among Arf, Cdc42, and Rac proteins in response to cues emanating from integrins, heterotrimeric G proteins, receptor tyrosine kinases, and cell-cell interactions. A concept that emerges from the literature is that the PIX-GIT complex serves as a cassette to elicit changes in cell shape essential for polarized cell responses in a wide range of biological contexts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / chemistry
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Polarity
  • Cell Shape*
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / chemistry
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • GTP-Binding Proteins