This family contains integral membrane proteins that are related to Drosophila rhomboid protein Swiss:P20350. Members of this family are found in bacteria and eukaryotes. Rhomboid promotes the cleavage of the membrane-anchored TGF-alpha-like growth factor Spitz, allowing it to activate the Drosophila EGF receptor. Analysis has shown that Rhomboid-1 is an intramembrane serine protease [2][3][4] (EC:3.4.21.105). Parasite-encoded rhomboid enzymes are also important for invasion of host cells by Toxoplasma and the malaria parasite [5].

1: rhomboid, a gene required for dorsoventral axis establishment and peripheral nervous system development in Drosophila melanogaster. Bier E, Jan LY, Jan YN; Genes Dev 1990;4:190-203. PMID:2110920

2: Drosophila rhomboid-1 defines a family of putative intramembrane serine proteases. Urban S, Lee JR, Freeman M; Cell 2001;107:173-182. PMID:11672525

3: The rhomboids: a nearly ubiquitous family of intramembrane serine proteases that probably evolved by multiple ancient horizontal gene transfers. Koonin EV, Makarova KS, Rogozin IB, Davidovic L, Letellier MC, Pellegrini L; Genome Biol 2003;4:R19. PMID:12620104

4: Reconstitution of intramembrane proteolysis in vitro reveals that pure rhomboid is sufficient for catalysis and specificity. Urban S, Wolfe MS; Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005;102:1883-1888. PMID:15684070

5: A spatially localized rhomboid protease cleaves cell surface adhesins essential for invasion by Toxoplasma. Brossier F, Jewett TJ, Sibley LD, Urban S; Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005;102:4146-4151. PMID:15753289