Rho GTPases are a family of small G proteins that regulate a wide array of cellular processes related to their key roles controlling the cytoskeleton. On the other hand, cancer is a multi-step disease caused by the accumulation of genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations, from the initial stages of cancer development when cells in normal tissues undergo transformation, to the acquisition of invasive and metastatic traits, responsible for a large number of cancer related deaths. In this review, we discuss the role of Rho GTPase signalling in cancer in every step of disease progression. Rho GTPases contribute to tumour initiation and progression, by regulating proliferation and apoptosis, but also metabolism, senescence and cell stemness. Rho GTPases play a major role in cell migration, and in the metastatic process. They are also involved in interactions with the tumour microenvironment and regulate inflammation, contributing to cancer progression. After years of intensive research, we highlight the importance of relevant models in the Rho GTPase field, and we reflect on the therapeutic opportunities arising for cancer patients.

中文翻译：

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癌症进展和传播中的 RhoGTPase 信号转导

Rho GTPases 是一个小 G 蛋白家族，可调节与其控制细胞骨架的关键作用相关的一系列细胞过程。另一方面，癌症是由基因突变和表观遗传改变积累引起的多步骤疾病，从癌症发展的初始阶段，即正常组织中的细胞发生转化，到获得侵袭性和转移性特征，导致大量与癌症相关的死亡。在这篇综述中，我们讨论了 Rho GTPase 信号在疾病进展的每个步骤中在癌症中的作用。Rho GTP 酶通过调节增殖和凋亡以及代谢、衰老和细胞干细胞来促进肿瘤的发生和进展。Rho GTP 酶在细胞迁移和转移过程中起主要作用。它们还参与与肿瘤微环境的相互作用并调节炎症，促进癌症进展。经过多年的深入研究，我们强调了相关模型在 Rho GTPase 领域的重要性，并反思了为癌症患者带来的治疗机会。