RhoD is a member of the Rho GTPase family and it coordinates actin dynamics and membrane trafficking. Activation of RhoD results in formation of filopodia, dissolution of stress fibers, and the subsequent formation of short actin bundles. In addition, RhoD localizes to early endosomes and recycling endosomes, and has a regulatory role in endosome trafficking. In this study, we report on a function of RhoD in the regulation of Golgi homeostasis. We show that manipulation of protein and activation levels of RhoD, as well as of its binding partner WHAMM, result in derailed localization of Golgi stacks. Moreover, vesicle trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane via the Golgi apparatus measured by the VSV-G protein is severely hampered by manipulation of RhoD or WHAMM. In summary, our studies demonstrate a novel role for this member of the Rho GTPases in the regulation of Golgi function.
KEYWORDS: Golgi, Rho GTPases, RhoD, VSV-G, WHAMM