Identifying Vesicular Localization of the Rho GTPase RhoJ/TCL Through Colocalization with Rab Family GTPases

TCL belongs to the Rho family of GTPases and contributes to tumor‐associated angiogenesis. Understanding its basic cell biology is essential for establishing its role in this process. Experiments in several labs have shown plasma membrane and vesicular localizations of TCL, but it is less clear as to what subtype of vesicle the GTPase associates with and how it may influence vesicle trafficking. To better understand this aspect of TCL cellular biology, a YFP‐tagged version of TCL was co‐expressed in HeLa cells with sixteen different mCherry‐tagged versions of Rab GTPases. Images were captured using an Olympus Fluoview confocal microscope and colocalization assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively using CellSens software. CL colocalized with Rab5 and 7 as previously published but we also show colocalization with Rab17 and 40. Since Rab5, 7, and 17 Rab GTPases have reported vesicular localizations and functions, we intend to assess whether TCL plays any roles in their established pathways.