Activation of the small GTP-binding protein Ras in the heart by hypertrophic agonists

The small (21-kDa) guanine nucleotide-binding protein Ras plays a central r ole in the regulation of cell growth and division. In the cardiac myocyte, it has been implicated in the hypertrophic adaptation. We have recently exa mined the ability of hypertrophic agonists such as endothelin-1, phenylephr ine and phorbol esters to increase the "activity" (GTP loading) of Ras. We have also studied the signaling events that lead to activation of Ras and t he processes that respond to Ras activation. In the brief review, we descri be these studies and set them within the context of the hypertrophic respon se. (Trends Cardiovasc Med 2000;10:1-8). (C) 2000, Elsevier Science Inc.