Acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for RHOA, RAC1 and CDC42 GTPases. Regulates cell migration and adhesion assembly and disassembly through a RAC1, PI3K, RHOA and AKT1-dependent mechanism. Increases both RAC1 and CDC42 activity, but decreases the amount of active RHOA. Required for MMP9 up-regulation via the JNK signaling pathway in colorectal tumor cells. Involved in tumor angiogenesis and may play a role in intestinal adenoma formation and tumor progression.
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm, Cell projection, Filopodium, Cell projection, Lamellipodium, Cell projection, Ruffle membrane
Accumulates in the lamellipodium and ruffle membrane in response to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) treatment.
Expressed at high levels in the placenta, spleen and kidney, at moderate levels in lung, small intestine, liver, brain and heart, and at low levels in skeletal muscle. Expression is aberrantly enhanced in most colorectal tumors.