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RAS pathways to cell cycle control and cell transformation
1Department of Pathology and Kaplan Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York University Medical Center, 550 First Avenue, New York, USA.
Abstract:
Ras genes are among the most frequently activated oncogenes in cancer. The corresponding protooncogenes are proteins expressed in the majority of tissues in mammals and have a signal transduction activity. Ras proteins interact with a wide spectrum of regulators and downstream effectors producing different cellular responses, including proliferation, differentiation or apoptosis. This review deals with the most recent advances on the role of Ras in the signal transduction pathway from external signals to the cell cycle and gene expression control. We specially address the new developments on the effect of Ras activation in the regulation of different molecules driving the cell cycle progression. Both positive and negative regulators of the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK), cyclins and CDK inhibitors, are targets of Ras, giving rise to different effects in the cell cycle progression. These Ras-mediated interactions are an extraordinary example of the complexity of the signal transduction networks and the diversity of pathways used by Ras to propagate molecular signals.
Insights
Ras proteins, frequently activated oncogenes in cancer, regulate cell cycle progression. This review details recent advances in Ras signal transduction, focusing on its control over cell cycle regulators like cyclins and CDK inhibitors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Ras genes are frequently activated oncogenes in human cancers.
- Ras proteins are key signal transducers in mammalian cells.
- Ras signaling influences cellular responses like proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in Ras signal transduction pathways.
- To highlight the role of Ras in controlling cell cycle progression.
- To examine Ras interactions with cell cycle regulators.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific publications.
- Analysis of Ras protein interactions and downstream effectors.
- Focus on Ras-mediated regulation of cell cycle components.
Main Results:
- Ras activation impacts diverse cellular processes, including cell cycle control.
- Ras influences both positive and negative regulators of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs).
- Ras targets cyclins and CDK inhibitors, affecting cell cycle progression.
Conclusions:
- Ras signaling is central to understanding cancer development.
- Ras-mediated regulation of the cell cycle is complex and multifaceted.
- Ras pathways offer insights into intricate cellular signal transduction networks.