Ras Homolog Gene Family, Member D (RHOD)

RhoD (Ras homolog gene family, member D) is a small (~21 kDa) signaling G protein (more specifically a GTPase), and is a member of the Rac subfamily of the family Rho family of GTPases. It is encoded by the gene RHOD. It binds GTP and is involved in endosome dynamics and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, and it may coordinate membrane transport with the function of the cytoskeleton. The deduced 210-amino acid protein is approximately 50% identical to other Rho proteins and contains 4 conserved guanine nucleotide-binding stretches. Northern blot analysis revealed expression of a 1.2-kb transcript in heart, placenta, liver, skeletal muscle, and pancreas, with low levels in several other tissues; this pattern was somewhat distinct from that of other Rho family members.