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Abstract
Many features of cell behavior are regulated by Rho family GTPases, but the most profound
effects of these proteins are on the actin cytoskeleton and it was these that first
drew attention to this family of signaling proteins. Focusing on Rho and Rac, we will
discuss how their effectors regulate the actin cytoskeleton. We will describe how
the activity of Rho proteins is regulated downstream from growth factor receptors
and cell adhesion molecules by guanine nucleotide exchange factors and GTPase activating
proteins. Additionally, we will discuss how there is signaling crosstalk between family
members and how various bacterial pathogens have developed strategies to manipulate
Rho protein activity so as to enhance their own survival.