Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 11 (ARHGEF11)

Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 11 (ARHGEF11) is a cytoplasmic signaling protein that acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for the small GTPase RhoA, activating it by facilitating the exchange of GDP for GTP[1][3]. It serves as a pivotal intermediary between extracellular signals—particularly those transmitted by G protein–coupled receptors (via Gα12/13 proteins)—and intracellular cytoskeletal dynamics[1][2][3]. ARHGEF11 is recruited to tight junctions in epithelial cells through direct interaction with the junctional protein ZO-1, where it controls myosin light chain phosphorylation and the assembly of actin contractile structures, ultimately regulating barrier formation and cell–cell adhesion[2][3]. It also interacts with various receptors, including plexins and glutamate transporters, linking diverse extracellular cues to RhoA-mediated cytoskeletal remodeling, cell migration, and neuronal signaling[3]. Alterations in ARHGEF11 or its pathways have been implicated in disease, including risk for intracranial aneurysms via genetic variants affecting actin cytoskeletal regulation[2][3].

Other names

GTRAP48PDZ-RhoGEFKIAA0380glutamate transporter EAAT4-associated protein 48RhoGEF11RhoA-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factorRhoGEF glutamate transport modulator

Proteins or drugs that modulate ARHGEF11 function would act by altering RhoA activation, thus affecting cytoskeletal dynamics and epithelial barrier function