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ras activation in experimental carcinogenesis

R Mangues1, A Pellicer

  • 1Department of Pathology and Kaplan Cancer Center, New York University Medical Center, NY 10016.

Seminars in Cancer Biology
|August 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Ras gene activation, through mutations or over-expression, plays a key role in cancer development across various organs. Its specific role varies by tumor type and stage, influencing cell behavior.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The ras gene family is frequently implicated in cancer.
  • Understanding ras activation mechanisms is crucial for cancer research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review experimental models of carcinogenesis focusing on ras gene activation.
  • To elucidate the role of ras activation in different tissues and stages of cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Review of experimental models of carcinogenesis.
  • Analysis of ras gene activation in skin, thymus, mammary gland, and liver models.
  • Examination of qualitative (point mutations) and quantitative (over-expression, gene dosage) changes in ras genes.

Main Results:

  • Ras activation, via point mutations or over-expression, contributes to the transforming phenotype.
  • Specific ras family members are linked to distinct tumor types, agents, and stages.
  • Ras activation can occur at early or late stages of carcinogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Ras activation is a significant factor in carcinogenesis with cell-type specificity.
  • Ras proteins may influence cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell-cell interactions.
  • Further research into ras function in carcinogenesis is warranted.

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