RAB GTPASES Meaning and
Definition
-
Rab GTPases, also known as Ras-related proteins in brain, are a family of small GTP-binding proteins that play a crucial role in intracellular membrane trafficking processes. They belong to the Ras superfamily of GTPases and are found in eukaryotic organisms, including humans.
Rab GTPases function as molecular switches, cycling between an active GTP-bound state and an inactive GDP-bound state, in response to specific cellular signals. This activation and inactivation allow them to regulate various stages of vesicle formation, transport, docking, and fusion within cells. Rab GTPases are primarily associated with the endomembrane system, including the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, endosomes, and lysosomes, where they control vesicle budding, sorting, and trafficking pathways.
These proteins are characterized by their conserved sequence motifs and function through interactions with specific effector molecules. Rab GTPases recruit and coordinate the actions of various regulatory proteins, such as Rab effectors and Rab geranylgeranyltransferases, to ensure proper vesicle trafficking and organelle organization.
Rab GTPases are involved in diverse cellular processes, including receptor recycling, secretion, autophagy, and intracellular pathogen defense. Dysregulation of Rab GTPase activity has been implicated in numerous diseases, such as neurological disorders, cancer, and certain infectious diseases.
In summary, Rab GTPases are a family of small GTP-binding proteins that regulate intracellular membrane trafficking processes by acting as molecular switches. Their proper functioning is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and proper organelle function.
Common Misspellings for RAB GTPASES
- eab gtpases
- dab gtpases
- fab gtpases
- tab gtpases
- 5ab gtpases
- 4ab gtpases
- rzb gtpases
- rsb gtpases
- rwb gtpases
- rqb gtpases
- rav gtpases
- ran gtpases
- rah gtpases
- rag gtpases
- rab ftpases
- rab vtpases
- rab btpases
- rab htpases
- rab ytpases
- rab ttpases
Etymology of RAB GTPASES
The term "rab GTPases" does not have a distinct etymology on its own, as it is a combination of two components: "rab" and "GTPases".
1. "Rab": The term "rab" comes from the first three letters of Ras-related in brain (Rab) proteins, which are a family of small GTPases. The name "Ras" was originally derived from "rat sarcoma" as it was first discovered in the context of cancer research in rats.
2. "GTPases": The term "GTPases" is derived from "GTP" (guanosine triphosphate) and "-ases". GTPases are a group of enzymes that hydrolyze GTP to GDP (guanosine diphosphate) in order to switch between an active GTP-bound state and an inactive GDP-bound state.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
