小分子G蛋白R-Ras介导的细胞信号转导通路及其生物学功能

Signaling Passway and Related Biological Function Mediated by R-Ras

R-Ras属于小分子G蛋白Ras超家族,在细胞信号转导通路中起着分子开关的作用,具有调控细胞黏附、促进细胞凋亡、抑制细胞运动、调节细胞形态等多种生物学功能。R-Ras和Ras家族的其他成员一样,结合GTP时处于激活状态,即信号通路开启状态,能够与下游因子相互作用;通过上游信号的调节及其下游效应物,将胞外信号转导到胞内,调节细胞的相关生物学功能。最近的研究提示R-Ras与乳腺癌等肿瘤的发生具有相关性,对其深入研究有可能为肿瘤发生机制的阐明提供分子基础。我们对R-Ras介导的细胞信号转导通路及其生物学功能进行简要综述。

R-Ras belongs to the Ras superfamily of GTP-binding proteins which plays important roles in the process of the cell adhesion, migration and apoptosis. R-Ras serves as molecular switch by cycling between GTP-bound active and GDP-bound inactive forms. When R-Ras binds to the GTP, it is activated, and interacts with its downstream effectors which regulate several biological processes. As recent studies have suggested correlation of R-Ras to the carcinogenesis of breast cancer, further investigation of R-Ras-mediated biological functions in cells will provide important insight into the molecular mechanism of carcinogenesis. Therefore, here we describe the signaling passway and biological functions mediated by R-Ras.