Biochemistry

 Small GTPases are intracellular molecular switches that operate by cycling between an inactive GDP-bound (“OFF”) state and an active GTP-bound (“ON”) state.

 In response to extracellular stimuli such as hormones, specific small GTPases are activated and control diverse cellular functions through their effectors (target proteins). More than 150 small GTPases have been identified in humans, and disruption of their proper regulation is associated with diseases such as cancer, highlighting their importance as potential therapeutic targets.