Ras-related protein Rap-2b (RAP2B)

Ras-related protein Rap-2b (RAP2B) is a member of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases, encoded by an intronless gene and closely related to other RAP family members[2][4][3]. RAP2B acts primarily as a molecular switch, transducing signals that control cytoskeletal organization, cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration, and is characterized by an effector domain, nucleotide binding site, and a C-terminal CAAX motif[1][3][5]. RAP2B is upregulated in multiple human cancers, including colorectal and breast cancer, where it promotes tumor initiation, growth, invasion, and metastasis, in part through interactions with the cytoskeletal scaffolding protein plectin and activation of MAPK/ERK signaling[1][3][5]. RAP2B overexpression is clinically associated with poor prognosis, especially in colorectal cancer, making it a potential therapeutic target and biomarker[1]. However, drug targeting of RAP2B and other small GTPases is technically challenging due to their high conservation and central role in normal cellular functions[3].

Other names

Ras-related protein Rap-2bRAP2BRas-related protein RAP-2BSmall GTP binding protein RAP2BRas family small GTP binding protein RAP2B

Modulation of intracellular signaling pathways (e.g., MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT); Regulation of calcium-dependent ERK1/2 signaling; Regulation of actin cytoskeleton via plectin interaction