Rho GTPase-activating protein 17 (ARHGAP17)

Rho GTPase-activating protein involved in the maintenance of tight junction by regulating the activity of CDC42, thereby playing a central role in apical polarity of epithelial cells. Especially acts as a GTPase activator for the CDC42 GTPase by converting it to an inactive GDP-bound state.

The complex formed with AMOT functions by regulating the uptake of polarity proteins at tight junctions, possibly by determining whether tight junction transmembrane proteins are recycled back to the plasma membrane or sent elsewhere. Participates in the Ca(2+)-dependent regulation of exocytosis, maybe by catalyzing GTPase activity of Rho family proteins and by causing the reorganization of the cortical actin filaments.