Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Spatio-Temporal Manipulation of Small GTPase Activity at Subcellular Level and on Timescale of Seconds in Living Cells
Published on: March 9, 2012
Ras-related proteins
1Chester Beatty Laboratories, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
Abstract:
A combination of genetic and biochemical techniques has revealed key players in the Ras signal transduction pathway that link receptors to growth and differentiation. Rho and Rac have been shown to couple extracellular signals to the organization of the actin cytoskeleton, while ADP ribosylation factor is required for the formation of non-clathrin coated vesicles.
Insights
Genetic and biochemical methods identified key Ras pathway components. Rho, Rac, and ADP ribosylation factor link cell surface receptors to internal processes like cytoskeleton organization and vesicle formation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The Ras signal transduction pathway is crucial for regulating cell growth and differentiation.
- Understanding how extracellular signals are transmitted to intracellular machinery is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key molecular players in the Ras pathway.
- To elucidate the roles of specific proteins in signal transduction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a combination of genetic and biochemical techniques.
- Investigated the function of Rho, Rac, and ADP ribosylation factor.
Main Results:
- Rho and Rac proteins connect extracellular signals to actin cytoskeleton organization.
- ADP ribosylation factor is necessary for non-clathrin coated vesicle formation.
Conclusions:
- Key components of the Ras pathway have been identified.
- Specific proteins mediate signal transduction to cellular structures and processes.
Related Concept Videos
Rab Proteins
Rab proteins switch between a cytosolic, GDP-bound inactive state and a membrane-anchored, GTP-bound active state. By themselves, Rabs show slow rates of GDP/GTP exchange and GTP hydrolysis. Thus, Rab proteins are considered...
The Ras Gene
Ras is a superfamily...
Directing Proteins to the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
Post-translational Translocation of Proteins to the RER
Targeting proteins to the ER
Hsp40 and Hsp70 chaperone molecules bind the translated proteins in the cytosol to prevent their folding. The chaperone binding helps to keep the signal...
Rab Cascades
Small GTPases - Ras and Rho
Three regulatory proteins control their activity:

