CDC42 and infection: Here, we have demonstrated that infection of BMEC with meningitic E. coli induces the upregulation of the host transcription factor Egr-1, which acts as a facilitator for RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 activation and an inducer for vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), platelet derived growth factor subunit B (PDGFB), and angiopoietin like 4 (ANGPTL4) expression.