CDC25 homology domain (CDC25-HD) containing Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors (GEFs) initiate signalling by small G-proteins of the Ras-family. Each GEF acts on a small subset of the G-proteins only, thus providing signalling selectivity. Rlf is a GEF with selectivity for the G-proteins RalA and RalB. Here the crystal structure of Rlf in complex with Ral is determined. The Rif-Rai complex crystallised into two different crystal forms, which represent different steps of the exchange reaction. Thereby general insight in the CDC25-HD catalysed nucleotide exchange is obtained. In addition, the basis for the selectivity of the interaction is investigated. The exchange activity is monitored by the use of recombinant proteins. Selectivity determinants in the binding interface are identified and confirmed by a mutational study. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.