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There is a family of homologous proteins known to small GTP-inding proteins which have a GTP binding domains and GTPase activity with molecular weight of about 20000 in mammalian tissues. Recently at least 20 different small GTP-binding proteins including three ras proto-oncogene, smg25, rho, and ral gene products were identified. These porteins play a central role in cellular proliferation, neoplasia, signal transduction, terminal differentiation, and secretory process of the cells. In this review, I have briefly compiled current information on the different areas of research in the small GTP-binding proteins in an attempt to convey an overall view of the fundamental role that this family of protein in normal cellular processes. Moreover, furture goals of research in the small GTP-binding proteins as well as the possible existence of this family of proteins in plant cells were discussed.
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