Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor 1 (ARHGEF1)

Rho GTPases play a fundamental role in numerous cellular processes that are initiated by extracellular stimuli that work through G protein coupled receptors. The encoded protein may form a complex with G proteins and stimulate Rho-dependent signals. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found for this gene, but the full-length nature of some variants has not been defined.

ARHGEF1 is specifically responsible for angiotensin receptor-1 (AGTR1)-mediated RHOA activation through a mechanism involving the phosphorylation of tyr738 in ARHGEF1 by JAK2. Guilluy et al. (2010) concluded that control of RHOA signaling through ARHGEF1 is central to the development of angiotensin II-dependent hypertension.