Signaling interplay in Ras superfamily function.
Ras proteins function as signaling hubs that are activated by convergent signaling pathways initiated by extracellular stimuli. Activated Ras in turn regulates a diversity of downstream cytoplasmic signaling cascades. Ras proteins are founding members of a large superfamily of small GTPases that have significant sequence and biochemical similarities. Recent observations have established a complex signaling interplay between Ras and other members of the family. A key biochemical mechanism facilitating this crosstalk involves guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), which serve as regulators and effectors, as well as signaling integrators, of Ras signaling.
Mitin
Natalia
N
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, NC 27599, USA. natalia_mitin@med.unc.edu
Rossman
Kent L
KL
Der
Channing J
CJ
D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000378:metabolism*; D020690:GTPase-Activating Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D040461:Gene Components; D020662:Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D015290:Second Messenger Systems / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D018631:ras Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
D020690:GTPase-Activating Proteins; D020662:Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors; D018631:ras Proteins