Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog mutant mRNA (KRAS mutant mRNA)

Mutant KRAS mRNA refers to the messenger RNA transcripts transcribed from the KRAS gene harboring activating mutations, most commonly at codons 12, 13, or 61.[1][4] These mutant mRNAs are translated into constitutively active KRAS proteins that drive oncogenic signaling, uncontrolled cell proliferation, and resistance to certain therapies in a variety of cancers including colorectal, lung, and pancreatic cancer.[1][4][5] Mutant KRAS mRNA has been established as a key therapeutic target, with efforts including RNA interference (antisense oligonucleotides, siRNAs) and mRNA-based vaccines aiming to reduce expression of the oncogenic protein or induce an immune response against KRAS-mutant cells.[2][6] Detection of mutant KRAS mRNA (via liquid biopsy or tissue analysis) also serves as an important biomarker for patient selection and treatment monitoring.[1][2][6] Safety considerations include off-target RNA effects and tumor heterogeneity, which may lead to resistance and relapse with targeted therapies.[2][3]

Other names

mutant KRAS mRNAmutant K-Ras mRNAmutant KRAS transcriptKRAS mutant transcript

Direct RNA interference (antisense oligonucleotides, siRNA degrade mutant KRAS mRNA, blocking protein expression); Immune targeting (vaccines stimulate immune response against mutant KRAS-expressing cells); Pharmacologic inhibition of mutant KRAS protein (protein-targeting drugs only require the presence of mutant mRNA as source)