RASrelated

Rasrelated refers to a subset of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases that are closely connected to the classical Ras proteins, yet distinct enough to form their own subgroups. Members of this broad category share the characteristic GTPase domain and regulatory logic of Ras proteins, including their role as molecular switches in signaling pathways.

A well-characterized set within Rasrelated includes the RRAS subfamily, comprising RRAS (R-Ras), RRAS2 (TC21), and RRAS3 (M-Ras). These proteins participate in signaling related to cell adhesion, cytoskeletal organization, and responses to growth factors. Other Rasrelated GTPases, such as Rit and Rin, are also recognized as part of the larger Ras-related landscape. Collectively, Rasrelated proteins regulate a variety of cellular processes through contextspecific effector interactions.

Functionally, Rasrelated proteins cycle between an active GTP-bound state and an inactive GDP-bound state. This switch is controlled by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) that promote GTP loading and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) that enhance GTP hydrolysis. Post-translational lipid modifications at the C-terminus, including farnesylation or geranylgeranylation, help anchor these proteins to membranes where signaling occurs.

Biological roles of Rasrelated proteins are diverse and highly context dependent, contributing to processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and vesicle trafficking. In disease contexts, certain Rasrelated members have been implicated in cancer and developmental disorders, though effects are gene- and tissue-specific. Ongoing research aims to clarify their signaling networks, regulatory mechanisms, and potential as therapeutic targets.