GTP-binding protein Di-Ras1 (DIRAS1)

GTP-binding protein Di-Ras1 (DIRAS1) is a member of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases and acts as a tumor suppressor, in contrast to canonical Ras proteins, which promote cell proliferation[1][2][4]. DIRAS1 exhibits low intrinsic GTPase activity and predominantly exists in its GTP-bound form, structurally similar yet functionally distinct from oncogenic Ras proteins[1][2][5]. It is most highly expressed in brain and heart tissues, and its tumor-suppressive function has been linked to inhibition of cell growth and modulation of autophagy—particularly through AKT1-MTOR and RAS-MAPK signaling pathways[1][2][4][5]. DIRAS1 is implicated in several cancers, with potential as a prognostic marker of disease progression and survival[1][2]. There are currently no approved drugs directly targeting DIRAS1, and its principal therapeutic relevance lies in its role as a negative regulator of cell proliferation and protective autophagy in tumor biology[1][2][4][5].

Other names

DIRAS1Di-Ras1GBTS1RIGRas-related inhibitor of cell growthSmall GTP-binding tumor suppressor 1DIRAS family GTPase 1

Not established for direct acting drugs; DIRAS1 acts as a negative regulator of Ras signaling pathways and inhibits oncogenic signaling, including the AKT1-MTOR and RAS-MAPK pathways[1].