Background information
Ras oncogenes encode GTP-binding proteins that are capable of transforming immortalized cells in culture. Two Ras-related human genes, designated RAP1A and RAP1B, encode 95% homologous proteins (namely Rap 1A and Rap 1B) that share a similar C-terminal Cys-Ali-Ali-Xaa sequence with Ras proteins and are ubiquitously expressed in mammalian tissues. The putative “effector†domain of Ras proteins, whose integrity is required for cell transformation as well as interaction with the putative effector protein GAP, is conserved in both Rap 1 proteins. Rap 1A is thought to interfere with Ras effector function by binding to Ras GAP in a GTP-dependent manner without affecting Rap 1A GTPase activity. Rap 2, another Ras-related protein, shares 60% identity with Rap 1A and exhibits a carboxy terminal CAAX motif and two upstream cysteines similar to those of the H-Ras, K-Ras and N-Ras proteins. In contrast with Rap 1A and Rap 1B, overexpression of Rap 2 does not interfere with the Ras signaling pathway.
