Rho-related GTP-binding protein RhoF (RHOF)

Rho-related GTP-binding protein RhoF (RHOF) is a member of the Rho family of small GTPases, which function as molecular "switches" cycling between inactive GDP-bound and active GTP-bound states to control diverse cell signaling pathways, most notably the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. RHOF is uniquely associated with the formation of filopodia—actin-rich cell protrusions critical for migration and environmental sensing—and is highly expressed in certain cancers, including lung adenocarcinoma, where it promotes cell polarity, survival, and invasion. RHOF generally exists in a GTP-bound "active" form, displaying fast-cycling or atypical GTPase activity. Its interaction with other signaling proteins (such as the Wnt5a-Ror1-Dvl2 pathway) is essential for cancer cell invasion and proliferation. While its molecular structure and activity make it appealing as a therapeutic target, there are currently no approved drugs targeting RHOF; ongoing research is exploring inhibitor development through computational modeling and in vitro screening.

Other names

RhoFARHFRifras homolog family member F, filopodia associatedRho in filopodiaFLJ20247Rho family GTPase RifRho homolog gene family, member F (in filopodia)

None approved. Experimental inhibitors would act by blocking the GTP-binding or hydrolysis activity of RHOF, disrupting downstream actin cytoskeleton remodeling and signaling relevant for cancer cell migration and invasion.