Ras superfamily small G proteins : biology and mechanisms. Volume 1, General features, signaling

This first of two volumes provides a general overview of the genetics, structure, mechanism and regulation of the Ras superfamily proteins and describes in detail the signaling pathways and processes regulated by specific members of this family. The focus of this first volume is on the Rho and Ras subfamily of small G proteins. Renowned scientists provide insights into the biochemistry of the classical and non-classical small G-protein family members, their spatio-temporal regulation, their effectors and their roles in health and disease. Together with Volume 2, this book provides a comprehensive and state-of-the-art work on small G-proteins (GTPases). It is intended for graduates and professors in biochemistry and cell biology already working on small G-proteins (small GTPases), but also offers an extremely valuable resource for those readers who are new to the field. Front Matter....Pages i-xiv Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Evolution of the Ras Superfamily of GTPases....Pages 3-23 The Structure of the G Domain of the Ras Superfamily....Pages 25-50 GEFs and GAPs: Mechanisms and Structures....Pages 51-63 Bacterial Protein Toxins Acting on Small GTPases....Pages 65-97 Posttranslational Modifications of Small G Proteins....Pages 99-131 Front Matter....Pages 133-133 Targeting the Raf-MEK-ERK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Cascade for the Treatment of RAS Mutant Cancers....Pages 135-156 RAS Genes and Cancer....Pages 157-171 The Spatial Organization of Ras Signaling....Pages 173-188 Ras Nanoclusters....Pages 189-210 Mouse Models of RAS-Induced Tumors and Developmental Disorders....Pages 211-231 Rap Signaling....Pages 233-255 The Coordinated Biology and Signaling Partners of Ral G-Proteins....Pages 257-279 Structure and Function of the mTOR Activator Rheb....Pages 281-324 Front Matter....Pages 325-325 Classical Rho Proteins: Biochemistry of Molecular Switch Function and Regulation....Pages 327-340 Atypical Rho Family Members....Pages 341-361 Molecular Structures, Cellular Functions, and Physiological Roles of Rho Effectors....Pages 363-394 Principles Driving the Spatial Organization of Rho GTPase Signaling at Synapses....Pages 395-419 Rho GTPases in Cancer....Pages 421-438 Back Matter....Pages 439-445