Regulation of ras proteins and their involvement in signal-transduction pathways (review)

Albeit the exciting new developments in the last few years in the field of the growth factors and oncogene research, there are still many dark points in the pathways that lead to cell growth which makes future research even more interesting. The complexity of the network of proteins and messengers which are known to be involved, as well as the new discoveries indicating that new members of the cascade are yet to be discovered, gives the impression that we have to be more open minded than previously. Thus, a comprehensive look to the multiple pathways affected by some of the key molecules involved in regulating cell growth and differentiation is becoming more an obligation than a preference. Guided by this our review brings together most of the elements which seems to be relevant for the function of Ras proteins with special attention to the phospholipid metabolism alterations. We hope that it would stimulate stronger interaction among specialists working in different areas of the signal transduction pathways.