Abstract: Described herein is a method of modulating sumoylation of a Ras protein by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins. Provided herein is a method for regulating the activity of a Ras protein. Also provided is a treatment of proliferative diseases, such as cancer, by introducing specific mutations to a mutant Ras protein that is associated with the proliferative disease. Described herein is a modified Ras protein. Described herein are recombinant vectors, cells comprising the vectors expressing the modified Ras proteins. Provided herein is an antibody that specifically binds to a sumoylated Ras protein. Described herein is a method for identifying an agent that interferes with the sumoylation of a Ras protein. Also described herein are therapeutic and prophylactic compositions. Also provided herein is a method of using a modified Ras protein to replace an endogenous mutant Ras protein that is associated with a proliferative disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for detection of association of a peripheral cellular membrane binding protein with cellular membranes in living cells and methods thereof. The kit includes a first nucleic acid construct comprising a first nucleic acid molecule encoding a first fusion protein comprising a peripheral cellular membrane binding protein or membrane binding domain thereof operatively coupled to DNA binding and transactivation domains of a naturally occurring or chimeric transcription factor and a first promoter operatively associated with the first nucleic acid molecule. A second nucleic acid construct comprises a second nucleic acid molecule encoding a reporter protein and a second promoter responsive to the DNA binding and transactivation domains of the first fusion protein. The second promoter is operatively associated with the second nucleic acid molecule. Activation of the second promoter results in expression of the reporter protein. Also disclosed is a transgenic non-human animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for detection of association of a peripheral cellular membrane binding protein with cellular membranes in living cells and methods thereof. The kit includes a first nucleic acid construct comprising a first nucleic acid molecule encoding a first fusion protein comprising a peripheral cellular membrane binding protein or membrane binding domain thereof operatively coupled to DNA binding and transactivation domains of a naturally occurring or chimeric transcription factor and a first promoter operatively associated with the first nucleic acid molecule. A second nucleic acid construct comprises a second nucleic acid molecule encoding a reporter protein and a second promoter responsive to the DNA binding and transactivation domains of the first fusion protein. The second promoter is operatively associated with the second nucleic acid molecule. Activation of the second promoter results in expression of the reporter protein. Also disclosed is a transgenic non-human animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying compounds as candidate drugs for treatment of cancer by providing a cell expressing a GTPase protein that is regulated by a prenyl-electrostatic switch, contacting the cell with compounds to be evaluated, and selecting compounds able to regulate charge at the prenyl-electrostatic switch in the GTPase protein as candidate drugs for treatment of cancer. Also disclosed are methods of treating cancer in a patient. An isolated antibody which binds to a phosphorylated prenyl-electrostatic switch on a K-Ras4B protein is also disclosed, as is a kit for detecting phosphorylation of a prenyl-electrostatic switch in a K-Ras4B protein which includes a labeled antibody and a device to detect the label. Also disclosed is a method of detecting phosphorylation of a prenyl-electrostatic switch on a K-Ras4B protein in a biological sample.

Abstract: An antibody specific for the mammalian protein prenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase.

Abstract: A mammalian protein, prenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase, involved in further post-translational modification of prenylated proteins, is cloned, characterized, and expressed in non-native cells. Such membrane preparations can be used to screen for inhibitors of prenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase activity.

Abstract: A mammalian protein, prenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase, involved in further post-translational modification of prenylated proteins, is cloned, characterized, and expressed in non-native cells. Such membrane preparations can be used to screen for inhibitors of prenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase activity.