ARHGEF18 Activators

ARHGEF18 activators constitute a diverse group of chemical entities that can modulate the activity of ARHGEF18, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, directly or indirectly. This protein is integral to the regulation of Rho family GTPases, especially RhoA, which plays pivotal roles in various cellular processes like cytoskeletal dynamics, cell motility, and cell adhesion.

The list of compounds associated with the activation of ARHGEF18 includes growth factors like EGF. These factors are known to stimulate cellular pathways, some of which culminate in the activation of Rho GTPases, thereby influencing ARHGEF18 activity. Other chemicals like LPA and Bradykinin can activate signaling intermediaries that can indirectly affect ARHGEF18's function. For instance, LPA is recognized to activate Rho GTPases, while Bradykinin can influence calcium signaling through phospholipase C activation. Similarly, compounds such as Forskolin, which elevate intracellular cAMP levels, can modulate a myriad of signaling cascades that may intersect with pathways involving ARHGEF18. On the other hand, specific inhibitors like U-73122 and NSC 23766, targeting phospholipase C and Rac1 GTPase activation respectively, provide insights into how the interruption of these pathways can impact ARHGEF18's activity. Moreover, ATP, known to act on purinergic receptors, can modulate calcium signaling, and thereby the pathways associated with ARHGEF18.