Highlights
| Use the GFP-Rac1 assay for your study into cell migration and differentiation |
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Cell Migration
Low molecular weight Rho GTPases control signal transduction pathways that link cell surface receptors to a variety of intracellular responses. They are best known as regulators of the actin cytoskeleton, but in addition they control cell polarity, gene expression, microtubule dynamics and vesicular trafficking Rac 1 is a GTP-binding protein involved in regulating actin filaments at the plasma membrane. It controls the development of filopodia and lamellipodia in cells and thereby influences cellular motility and adhesion.The high incidence of overexpression of some members of the Rho family of GTPases in human tumors suggests that these proteins are important in the carcinogenic process, and therefore potential candidates for a therapeutic intervention.
. Cell DifferentiationCell differentiation is a maturing process during which a determined cell becomes a recognizable, specialized cell. External stimuli, such as growth factors, trigger cells to differentiate. Once differentiated, these specialized cells are usually terminal and nondividing, though some may be induced to divide following injury. Differentiated cells produce and use specific proteins characteristic of their differentiation type. For example, red blood cells produce haemoglobin to help transport oxygen, and muscle cells produce myosin to help with muscle contraction. Differentiated cells often assume characteristic shapes, such as columnar epithelial cells and star-shaped astrocytes.
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