Ephexin-1 (NGEF)

Acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that differentially activates the GTPases RHOA, RAC1 and CDC42. Plays a role in axon guidance regulating ephrin-induced growth cone collapse and dendritic spine morphogenesis.

Upon activation by ephrin through EPHA4, the GEF activity switches toward RHOA leading to its activation. Activated RHOA promotes cone retraction at the cost of RAC1- and CDC42-stimulated growth cone extension (By similarity).