RALA Human
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
The V-ral Simian Leukemia Viral Oncogene Homolog A (RalA) is a member of the Ras family of small GTPases. These proteins play crucial roles in various cellular processes, including growth, differentiation, and survival. RalA, along with its closely related homolog RalB, is involved in the regulation of vesicle trafficking, cytoskeletal dynamics, and transcriptional control.
RalA was initially identified as a transforming gene in a murine leukemia virus. The name “V-ral” refers to its viral origin, while “Simian Leukemia Viral Oncogene Homolog” indicates its similarity to oncogenes found in simian leukemia viruses. The “A” denotes its distinction from the closely related RalB.
RalA is a small GTPase, which means it can bind and hydrolyze GTP. It cycles between an active GTP-bound state and an inactive GDP-bound state. This cycling is regulated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) that promote the exchange of GDP for GTP, and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) that enhance the hydrolysis of GTP to GDP.
In its active state, RalA interacts with various effector proteins to regulate multiple cellular processes:
- Vesicle Trafficking: RalA is involved in the regulation of exocytosis and endocytosis, processes critical for the transport of proteins and lipids within the cell.
- Cytoskeletal Dynamics: RalA influences the organization of the actin cytoskeleton, which is essential for cell shape, motility, and division.
- Transcriptional Control: RalA can modulate the activity of transcription factors, thereby influencing gene expression.
RalA has been implicated in the development and progression of various cancers. It is often overexpressed or hyperactivated in tumor cells, where it contributes to oncogenic processes such as:
- Cell Proliferation: RalA promotes the growth and division of cancer cells.
- Survival: RalA helps cancer cells evade apoptosis, the programmed cell death mechanism.
- Metastasis: RalA enhances the invasive and migratory capabilities of cancer cells, facilitating their spread to other parts of the body.
Human recombinant RalA is produced using recombinant DNA technology, where the RalA gene is cloned and expressed in a suitable host system, such as E. coli. The recombinant protein is then purified for use in research and therapeutic applications. This recombinant form retains the functional properties of the native protein and is used to study its biological activities and potential as a therapeutic target.
