Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

Detection of Small GTPase Prenylation and GTP Binding Using Membrane Fractionation and GTPase-linked Immunosorbent Assay
Published on: November 11, 2018
Small GTPases as regulators of cell division
Rodrigo Militello1, María I Colombo
1Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular; Instituto de Histología y Embriología (IHEM)-CONICET; Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Universidad Nacional de Cuyo; Mendoza, Argentina.
Abstract:
The superfamily of small GTPases serves as a signal transducer to regulate a diverse array of cellular functions. The members of this superfamily are structurally and functionally classified into at least 5 groups (Ras, Rho/Rac, Rab, Arf, and Ran) and they are involved in the control of cell proliferation and differentiation, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, membrane trafficking, and nuclear transport. It is widely reported that members of the Rab family participate in the control of intracellular membrane trafficking through the interaction with specific effector molecules. However, many Rabs and other small GTPases have also been shown to function in cell division. In this review, we discuss current knowledge about Rab proteins regulating different stages of the cell cycle, such as the congregation and segregation of chromosomes (during metaphase) and the final stage of cell division known as cytokinesis, in which a cell is cleaved originating 2 daughter cells.
Related Concept Videos
GTPases and their Regulation
Large G-proteins,...
GTPases and their Regulation
Small GTPases - Ras and Rho
Three regulatory proteins control their activity:
Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins
Molecular Factors Affecting Cell Division
Several proteins function as internal regulators to ensure each cell cycle stage is completed faithfully before proceeding to the next. Regulator molecules may act directly or influence the activity or production of other...
Negative Regulator Molecules

