Distribution of polypeptides binding guanosine 5'-[gamma-[35S]thio]triphosphate and anti-(ras protein) antibodies in liver subcellular fractions. Evidence for endosome-specific components.

The subcellular distribution in rat liver of polypeptides binding guanosine 5'-[gamma-[35S]thio]triphosphate [( 35S]GTP[S]) and seven antibodies against ras oncoproteins was evaluated. Multiple low-Mr (21,000-28,000) GTP-binding proteins were detected, but their relative distribution among the membrane fractions varied. A more specific compartmentation of polypeptides which bind antibodies generated against ras proteins was evident, with an Mr-28,000 polypeptide and a probable Mr-56,000 dimer, identified by six of the antibodies tested, being confined mainly to endosomes. An Mr-23,000 polypeptide was detected by some of the antibodies in all of the membrane fractions, but especially in the plasma membranes.