RALA Antibody
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
The V-ral simian leukemia viral oncogene homolog A (RalA) is a protein encoded by the RALA gene. This protein is a member of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases, which are involved in various cellular processes, including growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. RalA is closely related to another protein, RalB, and both share significant homology with the Ras proteins.
RalA plays a critical role in several cellular processes. It is involved in the regulation of exocyst-dependent trafficking, which is essential for the targeting of secretory vesicles to specific sites on the plasma membrane . This process is crucial for various cellular functions, including cell growth and division.
RalA interacts with several proteins, including EXO84 and SEC5, which are components of the exocyst complex . These interactions are necessary for the assembly of the exocyst complex and the proper functioning of vesicle trafficking. Additionally, RalA is involved in the regulation of mitochondrial fission during mitosis, which is essential for the equal distribution of mitochondria to daughter cells .
RalA has been implicated in cancer development and progression. It has been found that the suppression of PP2A A-beta expression allows immortalized human cell lines to achieve a tumorigenic state . Cancer-associated A-beta mutants fail to reverse this tumorigenic phenotype, indicating that these mutants function as null alleles. These mutants also fail to form a complex with RalA, leading to its inactivation and the abolishment of its transforming function .
Mouse models have been used to study the function of RalA. The Rala gene in mice is located on chromosome 13 and has been studied extensively to understand its role in various biological processes . Mice homozygous for a knock-out allele of Rala exhibit complete preweaning lethality and exencephaly, highlighting the importance of this gene in development .
