The Intrinsic GDP/GTP Exchange Activities of Cdc42 and Rac1 Are Critical Determinants for Their Specific Effects on Mobilization of the Actin Filament System

The Rho GTPases comprise a subfamily of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases. Their importance in regulation of cell morphology and cell migration is well characterized. According to the prevailing paradigm, Cdc42 regulates the formation of filopodia, Rac1 regulates the formation of lamellipodia, and RhoA triggers the assembly of focal adhesions. However, this scheme is clearly an oversimplification, as the Rho subfamily encompasses 20 members with diverse effects on a number of vital cellular processes, including cytoskeletal dynamics and cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. This article highlights the importance of the catalytic activities of the classical Rho GTPases Cdc42 and Rac1, in terms of their specific effects on the dynamic reorganization of the actin filament system. GTPase-deficient mutants of Cdc42 and Rac1 trigger the formation of broad lamellipodia and stress fibers, and fast-cycling mutations trigger filopodia formation and stress fiber dissolution. The filopodia response requires the involvement of the formin family of actin nucleation promotors. In contrast, the formation of broad lamellipodia induced by GTPase-deficient Cdc42 and Rac1 is mediated through Arp2/3-dependent actin nucleation.