Signaling interplay in Ras superfamily function

Curr Biol. 2005 Jul 26;15(14):R563-74. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2005.07.010.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cytoplasm / metabolism*
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Components
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological*
  • Second Messenger Systems / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • ras Proteins / metabolism
  • ras Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • GTPase-Activating Proteins
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • ras Proteins