Modulation of Rho GTPases and the Actin Cytoskeleton by YopT of Yersinia

Pathogenic Yersinia species evade the innate cellular immune response by injecting antihost effector proteins (Yersinia outer proteins, Yops) into host cells through a type III secretion (TTS) apparatus. One of the six effector Yops, YopT, inactivates the small GTPase RhoA by removing the geranylgeranylated C-terminal cysteine. This cleavage results in release of RhoA from the cell membrane and subsequently in blockage of stress fiber formation. Thus YopT impairs cellular functions associated with cytoskeleton rearrangements.