Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) is a small GTPase that is well known for its sensitivity to the environmental stress of a cell or an organism. It senses the external signals which are transmitted from membrane-bound receptors and induces downstream signaling cascades to exert its physiological functions. Rac1 is an important regulator of a variety of cellular processes, such as cytoskeletal organization, generation of oxidative products, and gene expression. In particular, Rac1 has a significant influence on certain brain functions like neuronal migration, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation via regulation of actin dynamics in neurons. Abnormal Rac1 expression and activity have been observed in multiple neurological diseases. Here, we review recent findings to delineate the role of Rac1 signaling in neurodevelopmental disorders associated with abnormal spine morphology, synaptogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. Moreover, certain novel inhibitors of Rac1 and related pathways are discussed as potential avenues toward future treatment for these diseases.

中文翻译：

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应激敏感蛋白 Rac1 及其在神经发育障碍中的参与

Ras 相关 C3 肉毒杆菌毒素底物 1 (Rac1) 是一种小 GTP 酶，众所周知，它对细胞或生物体的环境压力敏感。它感知从膜结合受体传递的外部信号并诱导下游信号级联以发挥其生理功能。Rac1 是多种细胞过程的重要调节剂，例如细胞骨架组织、氧化产物的产生和基因表达。特别是，Rac1 对某些大脑功能有显着影响，如神经元迁移、突触可塑性和记忆形成。神经元中肌动蛋白动力学的调节。在多种神经系统疾病中观察到异常的 Rac1 表达和活性。在这里，我们回顾了最近的发现，以描述 Rac1 信号在与异常脊柱形态、突触发生和突触可塑性相关的神经发育障碍中的作用。此外，Rac1 和相关通路的某些新型抑制剂被讨论为未来治疗这些疾病的潜在途径。