Transforming protein RhoB (RhoB) (RhoB)

Transforming protein RhoB is a small GTPase of the Rho family that acts as a molecular switch, cycling between active GTP-bound and inactive GDP-bound states to regulate intracellular signaling [UniProt: P62745]. Unlike other Rho proteins, RhoB is localized primarily to late endosomes and the nucleus, where it plays a critical role in protein trafficking, DNA damage response, and the regulation of apoptosis [PubMed: 11526494]. In many clinical contexts, RhoB is considered a tumor suppressor, as its expression is often lost or reduced in aggressive cancers, and its restoration can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis [PubMed: 15622170]. A distinctive biochemical feature of RhoB is its dual susceptibility to farnesylation or geranylgeranylation, a post-translational modification that determines its functional output and subcellular site [PubMed: 10866665]. This makes RhoB a central target for farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs), which shift the protein toward a geranylgeranylated state that promotes cell cycle arrest and cell death in cancer cells [PubMed: 12140755]. Beyond oncology, RhoB is also implicated in vascular development and inflammatory responses, making it a versatile target for therapeutic intervention [PubMed: 17513328].

Other names

RHOBARHBARH0BMST081Rho-related GTP-binding protein RhoBRas homolog family member B

Inhibition of farnesyltransferase or geranylgeranyltransferase to modulate RhoB prenylation, localization, and signaling activity; indirect modulation via HMG-CoA reductase inhibition.