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Unless otherwise stated all data on this page refer to the human proteins. Gene information is provided for human (Hs), mouse (Mm) and rat (Rn).
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More detailed introduction
The RAS proteins (HRAS, NRAS and KRAS) are small membrane-localised G protein-like molecules of 21 kd. They act as an on/off switch linking receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinase activation to downstream cytoplasmic or nuclear events. Binding of GTP activates the switch, and hydrolysis of the GTP to GDP inactivates the switch.
The RAS proto-oncogenes are the most frequently mutated class of proteins in human cancers. Common mutations compromise the GTP-hydrolysing ability of the proteins causing constitutive activation [4], which leads to increased cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis [5]. Because of their importance in oncogenic transformation these proteins have become the targets of intense drug discovery effort [1].
Database page citation (select format):
Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY citation:
Alexander SP, Fabbro D, Kelly E, Mathie A, Peters JA, Veale EL et al. (2021) THE CONCISE GUIDE TO PHARMACOLOGY 2021/22: Enzymes. Br J Pharmacol. 178 Suppl 1:S313-S411.