The Role of the Guanosine Nucleotide-Binding Protein in the Corpus Luteum

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This review aims to discuss the role of the guanosine nucleotide-binding protein (RAS) family in the biological events that occur during the formation and regression of the corpus luteum in the ovary. RAS proteins mediate extracellular signals, transduce through their receptors via multiple signaling pathways, and regulate a wide array of cellular processes. RAS exhibits a notable function in the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, angiopoietins (ANPT), and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). RAS proteins appear to be involved in several factors that are notably associated with the regulation of the corpus luteum. Further research is necessary to enhance our understanding of the role of the RAS family in the ovarian corpus luteum. ABSTRACT: The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine gland in the ovary. In the ovarian cycle, repeated patterns of specific cellular proliferation, differentiation, and transformation occur that accompany the formation and regression of the corpus luteum. Molecular mechanism events in the ovarian microenvironment, such as angiogenesis and apoptosis, are complex. Recently, we focused on the role of RAS protein in the ovarian corpus luteum. RAS protein plays a vital role in the modulation of cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation by molecular pathway signaling. Additionally, reproductive hormones regulate RAS activity in the cellular physiological function of ovarian follicles during pre-ovulatory maturation and ovulation. Thus, we have reviewed the role of RAS protein related to the biological events of the corpus luteum in the ovary.