Overview:

The RAS gene superfamily encodes a group of closely related 21,000 dalton (p21) proteins with special affinity for guanine nucleotides (GTP). RAS and several other cellular proteins with similar biochemical properties are collectively known as G-proteins and they play key roles in a wide variety of cellular activities, including cell growth, differentiation, secretion, and protein trafficking (1). There are three forms of RAS gene in cells termed H-RAS, N-RAS, and K-RAS. RAS proteins play a direct causal role in human cancer and in other diseases. Mutant H-RAS, N-RAS, and K-RAS occur in varying frequencies in different tumor types (2). Other members of the RAS superfamily may also contribute to cancer.

Gene Aliases:

K-ras; N-ras; RASH1; c-bas/has

Genbank Number:

NM_ 005343

References:

1. Shih, T. Y., et al: Structure and function of p21 ras proteins. Gene Amplif Anal. 1986;4:53-72.

2. Rodriguez-Viciana, P.: Cancer targets in the Ras pathway. Cold Spring Harb Symp Quant Biol. 2005;70:461-7.