KRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase (KRAS)

KRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase (KRAS) is a gene encoding a small GTPase enzyme that participates in the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway, acting as a molecular on/off switch to relay signals from cell surface receptors to the nucleus and control vital cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Upon mutation, KRAS often becomes constitutively active, driving uncontrolled cell growth and tumorigenesis, making it a central and challenging target for cancer therapy. KRAS mutations are especially prevalent in pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers, often serve as resistance markers to various therapies, and can be specifically targeted by a new generation of drugs in certain mutant contexts.

Other names

Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologc-K-rasc-K-ras2 proteincellular c-Ki-ras2 proto-oncogeneK-ras p21 proteinKI-RASKRAS1PR310 c-K-ras oncogeneRASK2RASK_HUMANtransforming protein p21v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog

Covalent binding of KRAS G12C by small molecules to inhibit the GTPase activity. Inhibition of downstream RAS/MAPK pathway signaling. Prevention of KRAS mutant protein activation, blocking uncontrolled cell proliferation. Indirect resistance to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (panitumumab, cetuximab) in mutated cancers.