Function of the Ras Association Domain Family in molecular carcinogenesis

In our previous work, we identified and characterized a novel Ras effector, which was named Ras association domain family 1A (RASSF1A). RASSF1A is epigenetically silenced in a large percentage of human carcinomas and its hypermethylation is associated with a poor prognosis for cancer patients. The Ras association domain family consists of ten tumor suppressors that regulate growth, apoptosis, microtubule stabilization and mitotic progression. Recently we have identified a new epigenetically inactivated member of the Ras association domain family termed RASSF10. Our hypothesis is that RASSF10 represents a novel candidate tumor suppressor and regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell motility by signaling through its RA domain. In this project, we will examine the function of RASSF10. Moreover, we will investigate if RASSF10 interacts with Ras-related GTPases and screen for binding partners. Understanding the function of RASSF10 may lead to the identification of signaling pathways, which are frequently deregulated in carcinogenesis.