Ras homolog family member A (mRNA) (RHOA mRNA)

Ras homolog family member A (RHOA) mRNA encodes a small GTPase that functions as a molecular switch, cycling between an active GTP-bound and an inactive GDP-bound state (UniProt P61586). The encoded protein is a central regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, influencing cell shape, adhesion, and motility through the activation of downstream effectors like ROCK (Rho-associated protein kinase) (NCBI Gene ID: 387). In many pathological contexts, particularly oncology, RHOA is frequently overexpressed or mutated, driving invasive and metastatic phenotypes in cancers such as diffuse-type gastric cancer and certain T-cell lymphomas (PubMed: 25132177, 24509477). Targeting the RHOA mRNA using RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) aims to reduce the total pool of RhoA protein, thereby suppressing oncogenic signaling and restoring normal cellular architecture (PubMed: 15622165). While promising, therapeutic development faces challenges regarding the delivery of RNA-based drugs and the potential for toxicity given RhoA's fundamental role in maintaining the structural integrity of healthy cells (PubMed: 28655765).

Other names

ARH12ARHARHO12Ras homolog gene family, member A mRNATransforming protein RhoA mRNA

RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense-mediated degradation of mRNA to prevent the translation of the RhoA protein, thereby inhibiting downstream signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and migration (PubMed: 15622165).