This first of two volumes provides a general overview of the genetics, structure, mechanism and regulation of the Ras superfamily proteins and describes in detail the signaling pathways and processes regulated by specific members of this family. The focus of this first volume is on the Rho and Ras subfamily of small G proteins.

Renowned scientists provide insights into the biochemistry of the classical and non-classical small G-protein family members, their spatio-temporal regulation, their effectors and their roles in health and disease. Together with Volume 2, this book provides a comprehensive and state-of-the-art work on small G-proteins (GTPases). It is intended for graduates and professors in biochemistry and cell biology already working on small G-proteins (small GTPases), but also offers an extremely valuable resource for those readers who are new to the field.

Evolution of the Ras Superfamily of GTPases.- The structure of the G domain of the Ras superfamily.- GEFs and GAPs: Mechanisms and Structures.- Bacterial protein toxins acting on small GTPases.- Posttranslational modifications of small G proteins.- Targeting the Raf-MEK-ERK Mitogen-Activates Protein Kinase Cascade for the Treatment of RAS Mutant Cancers.- RAS Genes and Cancer.- The Spatial Organization of Ras Signaling.- Ras Nanoclusters.- Mouse Models of Ras induced Tumors and Developmental Disorders.- Rap signaling.- The coordinated biology and signaling partners of Ral G-proteins.- Structure and Function of the mTOR Activator Rheb.- Classical Rho proteins: Biochemistry of molecular switch function and regulation.- Atypical Rho family members.- Molecular Structures, Cellular Functions and Physiological Roles of Rho Effectors.- Principles driving the spatial organization of Rho GTPase signaling at synapses.- Rho GTPases in Cancer.