RHOU Gene: Function, Expression, and Role in Disease | NCBI, UniProt, ClinVar

RHOU (Ras homolog family member U) is a member of the Rho family of small GTPases, which are key regulators of the actin cytoskeleton, cell migration, and adhesion. Unlike classical Rho GTPases, RHOU is considered an atypical Rho GTPase because it lacks intrinsic GTPase activity and is regulated primarily by transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms. RHOU is involved in cell polarity, filopodia formation, and cell–cell adhesion. It has been implicated in several cancers, including breast, lung, and colorectal cancer, where it can promote invasion and metastasis. RHOU also plays a role in neuronal development and immune cell function.

Tissue Expression

Cell Line Expression

Hotspot Mutations

Mutation functional classification

• Rho GTPase cycle (Reactome: R-HSA-194840)

• Signaling by Rho family GTPases (Reactome: R-HSA-194315)

• Rac1/Pak1/p38/MMP2 pathway (KEGG: hsa04810)

RHOU is a 283-amino-acid protein belonging to the Rho family of small GTPases. It contains a conserved GTP-binding domain but lacks the canonical C-terminal CAAX motif for prenylation. RHOU is localized to the plasma membrane and endosomes, where it regulates actin dynamics, cell polarity, and adhesion. It interacts with effectors such as PAK1, ROCK, and IQGAP1. RHOU is highly expressed in the brain and certain cancers, where it promotes invasive behavior.