Ras-Related GTP Binding C (RRAGC) is a protein encoded by the RRAGC gene in humans. It belongs to the Ras superfamily of small GTPases, which are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and intracellular trafficking . RRAGC is particularly notable for its role in the regulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, which is crucial for cell growth and metabolism .
RRAGC is a GTP-binding protein that cycles between an active GTP-bound state and an inactive GDP-bound state. This cycling is essential for its function as a molecular switch in signaling pathways. The protein is composed of several conserved domains that facilitate its interaction with other proteins and its ability to bind and hydrolyze GTP .
The mTOR signaling pathway is a central regulator of cell growth and metabolism, responding to various environmental cues such as nutrient availability, energy status, and growth factors. RRAGC, along with its binding partners RRAGA, RRAGB, and RRAGD, forms a heterodimeric complex that is crucial for the activation of mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1) in response to amino acids . This activation is essential for the proper regulation of protein synthesis, autophagy, and other metabolic processes.
Mutations or dysregulation of RRAGC have been associated with several diseases, including cancer and metabolic disorders . For instance, alterations in the mTOR signaling pathway, where RRAGC plays a pivotal role, have been implicated in the development and progression of various cancers. Additionally, RRAGC has been linked to rare genetic disorders such as Long-Olsen-Distelmaier Syndrome and Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome .
Given its central role in mTOR signaling, RRAGC is a potential target for therapeutic interventions. Inhibitors or modulators of RRAGC function could be developed to treat diseases associated with mTOR dysregulation, such as cancer and metabolic disorders . Research is ongoing to better understand the precise mechanisms by which RRAGC regulates mTOR signaling and to develop targeted therapies that can modulate its activity.