Differentiation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells is associated with upregulation and activation of Rac-1 small GTPase

Critical changes occurring in Rac-1 molecule, a cytoskeleton organizing small GTPase associated with cell ruffling, have been analyzed in dendritic cells (DCs) derived from monocytes cultured with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and IFN-α or IL-4. Although with different kinetics, both agents induced activation of Rac-1 molecule and, more importantly, an upregulation of both protein expression and mRNA transcription. These findings strengthen the role of Rac-1 molecule in the induction of DC differentiation and suggest that, besides its activation, the upregulation of Rac-1 molecule might also play a role in the acquisition of DC mature phenotype.