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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Spatio-Temporal Manipulation of Small GTPase Activity at Subcellular Level and on Timescale of Seconds in Living Cells
10:27

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The ras superfamily of small GTP-binding proteins

J Downward1

  • 1Signal Transduction Laboratory, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, UK.

Trends in Biochemical Sciences
|December 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Recent advances reveal new insights into ras proto-oncogene proteins and diverse ras-related small GTP-binding proteins. This review covers the latest developments in this fast-growing research area.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Signaling
  • Oncogenesis

Background:

  • The ras proto-oncogenes encode critical proteins involved in cell signaling.
  • A growing family of ras-related small GTP-binding proteins has been identified.
  • These proteins play diverse roles in cellular functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in the understanding of ras proto-oncogene proteins.
  • To explore the diverse activities of newly identified ras-related small GTP-binding proteins.
  • To summarize developments in the rapidly expanding field of ras signaling.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent scientific publications.
  • Analysis of studies on ras protein structure and function.
  • Compilation of data on ras-related GTP-binding proteins.

Main Results:

  • Significant progress has been made in elucidating ras protein structure and function.
  • Numerous ras-related small GTP-binding proteins with varied functions have been discovered.
  • The field is characterized by rapid expansion and new findings.

Conclusions:

  • The ras signaling pathway is complex and involves a wide array of proteins.
  • Understanding these proteins is crucial for deciphering cell regulation and disease.
  • Continued research is vital for this dynamic field.

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