CDC42

Plasma membrane-associated small GTPase which cycles between an active GTP-bound and an inactive GDP-bound state. In active state binds to a variety of effector proteins to regulate cellular responses. Involved in epithelial cell polarization processes. Regulates the bipolar attachment of spindle microtubules to kinetochores before chromosome congression in metaphase. Regulates cell migration. In neurons, plays a role in the extension and maintenance of the formation of filopodia, thin and actin-rich surface projections. Required for DOCK10-mediated spine formation in Purkinje cells and hippocampal neurons. In podocytes, facilitates filopodia and podosomes formation upon DOCK11-activation. Upon activation by CaMKII, modulates dendritic spine structural plasticity by relaying CaMKII transient activation to synapse-specific, long-term signaling (By similarity). Also plays a role in phagocytosis through organization of the F-actin cytoskeleton associated with forming phagocytic cups. Upon activation by PLEKHG4B, involved in actin cytoskeletal remodeling during epithelial cell-cell junction formation. Negatively regulates polymerization of SEPTIN12, as a result may be involved in spermatogenesis..

Function from UniProtKB (P60953), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.