Spatial diversity: Ras trafficking and signalling

Ras proteins are small monomeric G-proteins that play a central role in linking extracellular stimuli with the internal kinase cascades that are primarily involved in modulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Constitutively activated mutants of these proteins are found in many human cancers. Differences in the trafficking and plasma membrane localization of Ras isoforms play critical roles in regulating their function. New research is trying to understand the mechanisms behind, and consequences of, these differences.