Transcriptomal profiling of site-specific Ras signals

Cell Signal. 2007 Nov;19(11):2264-76. doi: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2007.06.025. Epub 2007 Jul 4.

Abstract

Ras proteins are distributed in distinct plasma-membrane microdomains and endomembranes. The biochemical signals generated by Ras therein differ qualitatively and quantitatively, but the extent to which this spatial variability impacts on the genetic program switched-on by Ras is unknown. We have used microarray technology to identify the transcriptional targets of localization-specific Ras subsignals in NIH3T3 cells expressing H-RasV12 selectively tethered to distinct cellular microenvironments. We report that the transcriptomes resulting from site-specific Ras activation show a significant overlap. However, distinct genetic signatures can also be found for each of the Ras subsignals. Our analyses unveil 121 genes uniquely regulated by Ras signals emanating from plasma-membrane microdomains. Interestingly, not a single gene is specifically controlled by lipid raft-anchored Ras. Furthermore, only 9 genes are exclusive for Ras signals from endomembranes. Also, we have identified 31 genes common to the site-specific Ras subsignals capable of inducing cellular transformation. Among these are the genes coding for Vitamin D receptor and for p120-GAP and we have assessed their impact in Ras-induced transformation. Overall, this report reveals the complexity and variability of the different genetic programs orchestrated by Ras from its main sublocalizations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / genetics
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Gene Expression Profiling*
  • Mice
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Protein Transport
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Subcellular Fractions / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic*
  • ras Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • ras Proteins