RAS Family GTPases

Since 1982, Ras proteins have been the subject of intense research investigation by the

biomedical research community. The wide interest in Ras has been stimulated for

three key reasons.

First, their frequent mutational activation in human cancers establishes Ras proteins

as important mediators of oncogenesis and targets for anti-cancer drug discovery.

Second, Ras proteins act as signalling nodes activated by diverse extracellular

stimuli, and activated Ras in turn regulates a diversity of cytoplasmic signalling

networks.

Third, Ras proteins are founding members of a large superfamily of Ras-related small

GTPases. Over 150 Ras-related small GTPases are found in the human genome, with

orthologs found in all vertebrate species and invertebrates.

This book features chapters by leading investigators in the field that highlight the

current state-of-the art in Ras biochemistry, structure and biology.

This book is an excellent reference for students in the biomedical sciences and for

investigators in the field.