H-Ras proto-oncogene product

HRAS encodes the H-Ras protein, a small GTPase that acts as a molecular switch in cell signaling pathways, primarily the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways. It is activated by GTP binding and inactivated by GTP hydrolysis. HRAS plays a crucial role in regulating cell division, growth, and differentiation. Mutations in HRAS can lead to constitutive activation, resulting in uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. Germline mutations are associated with Costello syndrome. Somatic mutations are implicated in various cancers, including bladder cancer. It is a validated, but challenging, target for cancer therapy. Strategies under investigation include direct inhibitors, inhibitors of downstream signaling, and synthetic lethal approaches targeting proteins essential for HRAS-driven cancer cell survival.

Other names

H-RasGTPase HRasTransforming protein p21c-H-rasp21ras

Inhibition of HRAS activity or downstream signaling pathways (e.g., MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT). Development of direct HRAS inhibitors is challenging due to the protein's structure.