Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

RhoC GTPase Activation Assay
09:58

RhoC GTPase Activation Assay

Published on: August 22, 2010

RAN GTPase as a target for cancer therapy: Ran binding proteins

K J Doherty1, C McKay, K K Chan

  • 1Center for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.

Current Molecular Medicine
|September 10, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Targeting Ran binding proteins offers a novel cancer therapy approach. Inhibiting these proteins reduces Ran GTPase levels, halting cancer cell division and progression.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Ran GTPase (Ran) signaling is crucial in cancer occurrence and progression.
  • Elevated Ran expression correlates with increased cancer incidence and advancement.
  • Ran GTPase plays a key role in cell division and transport processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore Ran binding proteins as potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
  • To review the role of Ran binding proteins in cancer and their anti-neoplastic functions.
  • To discuss the exploitation of Ran binding protein pathways for novel cancer therapeutics.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Ran GTPase and Ran binding proteins.
  • Analysis of the molecular mechanisms of Ran signaling in cancer.
  • Identification of Ran binding proteins as potential drug targets.

Main Results:

  • Ran binding proteins are logical molecular targets for inhibiting Ran signaling.
  • Inhibition of Ran signaling can lead to anti-mitotic effects.
  • Ran binding proteins possess anti-neoplastic functions beyond Ran regulation.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting Ran binding proteins presents a promising strategy for novel cancer therapeutics.
  • Modulating Ran GTPase levels via its binding proteins can impede cancer progression.
  • Further research into Ran binding protein pathways could yield effective anti-cancer treatments.

More Related Videos

Comparing the Affinity of GTPase-binding Proteins using Competition Assays10:37

Comparing the Affinity of GTPase-binding Proteins using Competition Assays

Published on: October 8, 2015

Detection of Small GTPase Prenylation and GTP Binding Using Membrane Fractionation and GTPase-linked Immunosorbent Assay13:51

Detection of Small GTPase Prenylation and GTP Binding Using Membrane Fractionation and GTPase-linked Immunosorbent Assay

Published on: November 11, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Small GTPases - Ras and Rho01:24

Small GTPases - Ras and Rho

Ras and Rho are small monomeric GTPases that act downstream of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and regulate various cellular processes. These GTPases switch between active and inactive states by binding to guanine nucleotides.
Three regulatory proteins control their activity:
GTPases and their Regulation02:14

GTPases and their Regulation

Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins), also known as GTPases, are a superfamily of proteins that regulate many cellular processes, such as cell signaling, vesicular transport, and the regulation of cell shape and motility. Mutation or dysfunction of these proteins can lead to disease. There are around 40,000 known G-proteins that can broadly be classified into two groups ‒  small G-proteins consisting of a single domain and large multi-domain G-proteins.
Large G-proteins, also known...
Directionality of Nuclear Transport01:42

Directionality of Nuclear Transport

Ras-related nuclear protein or Ran is a small G protein that cycles between its GTP and GDP bound states. Ran specific regulators, a Ran GTPase Activating Protein or RanGAP present in the cytosol and a Ran guanine nucleotide exchange factor or RanGEF present inside the nucleus regulate GTP/GDP exchange. A high concentration of GTP inside the cells, in addition to this asymmetric distribution of  Ran-specific regulators, leads to a higher RanGTP concentration inside the nucleus. This...
The Ras Gene02:38

The Ras Gene

The Ras-gene-encoded proteins are regulators of signaling pathways controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, or cell survival. The Ras-gene family in humans constitutes three primary members—the HRas, NRas, and KRas. These genes code for four functionally distinct yet closely related proteins—the HRas, NRas, KRas4A, and KRas4B. The involvement of mutant Ras genes in human cancer was first discovered in 1982 and is among the most common causes of human tumorigenesis.
Ras is a superfamily...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...