Signaling interplay in Ras superfamily function

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.