小G蛋白Ran在细胞周期调控中的作用

Functions of the small GTPase protein Ran in cell cycle regulation

Ran(Ras-Related Nuclear Protein)作为小G蛋白家族的一类,具有GTP水解酶的功能,在细胞内行使"分子开关"的作用.利用酵母和脊椎动物细胞的研究结果表明,Ran参与细胞间期的核质运输、细胞分裂前期的纺锤体组装和细胞分裂末期的核膜重建等过程.虽然在高等植物细胞中,关于Ran功能的研究报道还十分有限,但是近来利用不同模式植物的研究结果表明,在多种植物细胞中,Ran都参与了与细胞周期进程相关过程的调节.此外,也有研究表明Ran还影响生长素信号通路.因此,Ran蛋白在动物及植物等不同物种之间的功能具有一定保守性和特异性.

RAN （Ras-Related Nuclear Protein） is a small GTPase that hydrolyzes GTP and plays a role as a ＂molecular switch＂ in cells. According to research using yeast and vertebrate cells, the functions of Ran include two features： for one, controlling nuclear- cytoplasm transportation during the interphase stage, for another, mediating spindle assembly in the prophase and the rebuilding of nuclear-membranes during ana- and telophases. Although little is known about the function of Ran in higher plants, according to recent research in modal plants, Ran was found to control the cell cycle in several cell types. Particular research has indicated a relationship between Ran and the auxin signaling pathway. Consequently, the functions of the Ran proteins between different species are essentially conserved and show specificity.