Multifunctional GTPase involved in a variety of cellular processes including gene expression, cell migration, cell proliferation, oncogenic transformation and membrane trafficking. Accomplishes its multiple functions by interacting with distinct downstream effectors. Acts as a GTP sensor for GTP-dependent exocytosis of dense core vesicles. The RALA-exocyst complex regulates integrin-dependent membrane raft exocytosis and growth signaling. Key regulator of LPAR1 signaling and competes with GRK2 for binding to LPAR1 thus affecting the signaling properties of the receptor. Required for anchorage-independent proliferation of transformed cells. During mitosis, supports the stabilization and elongation of the intracellular bridge between dividing cells. Cooperates with EXOC2 to recruit other components of the exocyst to the early midbody. During mitosis, also controls mitochondrial fission by recruiting to the mitochondrion RALBP1, which mediates the phosphorylation and activation of DNM1L by the mitotic kinase cyclin B-CDK1 (By similarity). GTP + H2O = GDP + H(+) + phosphate Alternates between an inactive form bound to GDP and an active form bound to GTP. Activated by a guanine nucleotide-exchange factor (GEF) and inactivated by a GTPase-activating protein (GAP). Interacts (via effector domain) with RALBP1; during mitosis, recruits RALBP1 to the mitochondrion where it promotes DNM1L phosphorylation and mitochondrial fission (By similarity). Interacts with EXOC2/Sec5 and EXOC8/Exo84; binding to EXOC2 and EXOC8 is mutually exclusive. Interacts with Clostridium exoenzyme C3. Interacts with RALGPS1. Interacts with LPAR1 and LPAR2. Interacts with GRK2 in response to LPAR1 activation. RALA and GRK2 binding to LPAR1 is mutually exclusive (By similarity). Interacts with CDC42 (By similarity). Predominantly at the cell surface in the absence of LPA. In the presence of LPA, colocalizes with LPAR1 and LPAR2 in endocytic vesicles. May colocalize with CNTRL/centriolin at the midbody ring. However, localization at the midbody at late cytokinesis was not confirmed. Relocalizes to the mitochondrion during mitosis where it regulates mitochondrial fission. Prenylation is essential for membrane localization. Phosphorylated. Phosphorylation at Ser-194 by AURKA/Aurora kinase A, during mitosis, induces RALA localization to the mitochondrion where it regulates mitochondrial fission. Belongs to the small GTPase superfamily. Ras family.