Role of the RhoGTPases in the cellular receptivity and reactivity to mechanical signals including microgravity

The small G proteins of the Rho Family (RhoGTPases) are key operators in the signaling arising from extracellular matrix through integrin receptors and from membrane receptors for soluble ligands. FLight data show that microgravity affects cell architecture and gene expression leading us to assume that the signaling pathways(s) involving the RhoGTPAses might disturbed in a weightlessness environment. TO test this hypothesis in microgravityu, we created genetically engineered human fibroblasts that will be used in Biolab on the ISS.