Dimerization opens new avenues into Ras signaling research

Abstract

Several reports using recently developed physicochemical and imaging techniques have provided experimental evidence for the existence of dimers of Ras proteins, which was first postulated more than 25 years ago. These data have sparked renewed interest in the potential physiological and pathological importance of homo- or heterodimerization of Ras proteins. Understanding the structural and functional properties of Ras dimers should provide mechanistic explanations for unanswered questions regarding the involvement of Ras proteins in signaling pathways that contribute to both normal physiology and oncogenic processes. Furthermore, this knowledge should enable the development of new drugs targeting Ras proteins.