Ras Protein Paper
AP Bio
Ras Protein Paper
The Ras proteins are a family of proteins that belong to a class of proteins called the small GTPase’s. They belong to a large super-family of proteins known as "low-molecular weight G-proteins". They are used to transmit signals throughout a cell using transduction. They strengthen the signals conveyed by linking them to a chemically irreversible process such as the cleavage of GTP. Ras proteins are usually in the “off” state where the GDP is bound to the site. However, when a signal needs to be transmitted, the GDP is switched with GTP and then after it is delivered, the GTP is cleaved into GDP which effectively turns the protein “off”. Many times, however, Ras proteins become mutated and happen frequently in
the family of proto-oncogenes. These mutations are found in 20-30% of all human tumors and so many scientists believe that pharmacological action that inhibits Ras actions can inhibit certain cancers. They found that the mutations in the oncogene of a Ras protein can possibly keep the protein “on” and thus allowing the cancer cells to multiply without ever being told to stop. The mutations change the function of the encoded protein which might make them malignant.
Not all Ras proteins are bad though. They are, in fact, crucial to the cell’s wellbeing. They are mostly associated with cell transformation and signal transduction within cells. They have been shown to regulate cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis, as well as influencing processes such as cell migration and neuronal activity. They also regulate many signaling molecules by putting them into the plasma membrane to activate. It is becoming more evident that Ras helps with signal transduction because helps regulate the multiple activities of signaling pathways to regulate many complex cell functions. This means that the Ras has a degree of selectivity available to operate multiple arms of a pathway at once. The Ras is able to do this by balancing the amount of GTP and GDP complex present in a cell. In other words, more GTP will trigger downstream events and more GDP will inhibit downstream events.
Ras proteins are also helped by partner molecules such as guanine nucleotide exchange factor proteins, or GEF proteins. The GEF proteins force open the Ras’ binding site to let out the GDP and let the GTP enter. The Ras then slowly breaks open the GTP which is accelerated using GAPs.
Ras Protein Paper
The Ras proteins are a family of proteins that belong to a class of proteins called the small GTPase’s. They belong to a large super-family of proteins known as "low-molecular weight G-proteins". They are used to transmit signals throughout a cell using transduction. They strengthen the signals conveyed by linking them to a chemically irreversible process such as the cleavage of GTP. Ras proteins are usually in the “off” state where the GDP is bound to the site. However, when a signal needs to be transmitted, the GDP is switched with GTP and then after it is delivered, the GTP is cleaved into GDP which effectively turns the protein “off”. Many times, however, Ras proteins become mutated and happen frequently in
the family of proto-oncogenes. These mutations are found in 20-30% of all human tumors and so many scientists believe that pharmacological action that inhibits Ras actions can inhibit certain cancers. They found that the mutations in the oncogene of a Ras protein can possibly keep the protein “on” and thus allowing the cancer cells to multiply without ever being told to stop. The mutations change the function of the encoded protein which might make them malignant.
Not all Ras proteins are bad though. They are, in fact, crucial to the cell’s wellbeing. They are mostly associated with cell transformation and signal transduction within cells. They have been shown to regulate cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis, as well as influencing processes such as cell migration and neuronal activity. They also regulate many signaling molecules by putting them into the plasma membrane to activate. It is becoming more evident that Ras helps with signal transduction because helps regulate the multiple activities of signaling pathways to regulate many complex cell functions. This means that the Ras has a degree of selectivity available to operate multiple arms of a pathway at once. The Ras is able to do this by balancing the amount of GTP and GDP complex present in a cell. In other words, more GTP will trigger downstream events and more GDP will inhibit downstream events.
Ras proteins are also helped by partner molecules such as guanine nucleotide exchange factor proteins, or GEF proteins. The GEF proteins force open the Ras’ binding site to let out the GDP and let the GTP enter. The Ras then slowly breaks open the GTP which is accelerated using GAPs.