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Cloning, expression and characterization of a novel human Ras-related protein that is regulated by glucocorticoid

Y Tu1, C Wu

  • 1Department of Cell Biology and the Cell Adhesion and Matrix Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294-0019, USA.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|February 15, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified a new human protein, DexRas1, highly similar to mouse DexRas1. Its expression is stimulated by dexamethasone, suggesting a role in cellular changes induced by this steroid hormone.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Signaling
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Ras proteins are critical guanine nucleotide-binding proteins involved in signal transduction.
  • The Ras superfamily includes diverse proteins regulating cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize a novel human protein homologous to mouse DexRas1.
  • To investigate the expression pattern and regulation of human DexRas1.

Main Methods:

  • Yeast two-hybrid screening to isolate human cDNA.
  • Protein sequence homology analysis.
  • Quantitative PCR or Western blotting to assess tissue expression.
  • Cell culture experiments (HT-1080 cells) to study dexamethasone effects.

Main Results:

  • A human cDNA encoding a protein 98% identical to mouse DexRas1 was isolated.
  • Human DexRas1 exhibits broad tissue expression, with highest levels in the heart.
  • Dexamethasone treatment significantly increased human DexRas1 expression in fibrosarcoma cells.

Conclusions:

  • The novel human DexRas1 protein is a key component of the Ras superfamily.
  • Human DexRas1 plays a role in dexamethasone-mediated cellular responses, including morphology and growth.
  • Further research into DexRas1 functions in steroid hormone signaling is warranted.

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