NGEF

Full Name

neuronal guanine nucleotide exchange factor

Function

Acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) which differentially activates the GTPases RHOA, RAC1 and CDC42. Plays a role in axon guidance regulating ephrin-induced growth cone collapse and dendritic spine morphogenesis. Upon activation by ephrin through EPHA4, the GEF activity switches toward RHOA resulting in its activation. Activated RHOA promotes cone retraction at the expense of RAC1- and CDC42-stimulated growth cone extension (By similarity).

Biological Process

Activation of GTPase activityManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Cell differentiationIEA:UniProtKB-KW
Ephrin receptor signaling pathwayISS:UniProtKB
Negative regulation of dendritic spine morphogenesisISS:UniProtKB
Nervous system developmentIEA:UniProtKB-KW
Regulation of GTPase activityISS:UniProtKB
Regulation of small GTPase mediated signal transductionTAS:Reactome

Cellular Location

PTM

Src-dependent phosphorylation at Tyr-179 upon EPHA4 activation increases the guanine exchange factor activity toward RHOA. Phosphorylation by CDK5 upon EPHA4 activation by EFNA1 may regulate dendritic spine morphogenesis (By similarity).