Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog (RAS)

The RAS family of proteins (KRAS, NRAS, HRAS) are small GTPases that act as molecular switches in cell signaling pathways controlling cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Oncogenic mutations in RAS genes, commonly point mutations at codons 12, 13, or 61, result in constitutive activation of the Ras protein, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer development. Activated Ras signals through downstream pathways such as the Raf-MEK-ERK (MAPK) and PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathways. Therapeutic strategies include targeting downstream effectors and synthetic lethal interactions.

Other names

KRASNRASHRASGTPasep21 ras

Direct RAS inhibitors (limited success); Inhibition of downstream signaling pathways (e.g., MEK, PI3K, AKT, mTOR); Synthetic lethality approaches exploiting RAS-specific vulnerabilities.