Ras GTPase Activating Protein 2 (RASA2)

RASA2 is member of the GAP1 family of GTPase-activating proteins. The gene product stimulates the GTPase activity of normal RAS p21 but not its oncogenic counterpart. Acting as a suppressor of RAS function, the protein enhances the weak intrinsic GTPase activity of RAS proteins resulting in the inactive GDP-bound form of RAS, thereby allowing control of cellular proliferation and differentiation. This particular family member has a perinuclear localization and is an inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate-binding protein; a compound suggested to function as a second messenger.Expression was relatively high in brain, placenta, and kidney but lower in other tissues. A recombinantly expressed protein containing the GAP-related domain was shown to stimulate GTPase activity of RAS.