Regulation of proliferation and apoptosis by Ras and Rho GTPases through specific phospholipid‐dependent signaling

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Abstract
Small GTPases are molecular switches that control signaling pathways critical for diverse cellular functions. Recent evidence indicates that multiple effector molecules can be activated by small GTPases. As a result, complex biological processes such as cell proliferation and apoptosis are turned on. Thus, rather than a single linear pathway from the membrane to the nucleus, the integration of complementary signals is required for these events to occur. In fact, the coordinated activation of small GTPases may constitute some of the critical modulators of those signals triggering either proliferation or cell death. In addition to the activation of specific kinases cascades, phospholipid‐derived messengers are candidates to compose some of the most critical elements associated to regulation of signaling cascades capable of discerning among life and death. Both proliferation and apoptosis needs competence and progression signals. Phospholipase D and sphingomyelinase may be important players in this decision‐maker step.