The Role and Function of Ras-association domain family in Cancer: A Review

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Mohammad Reza Zinatizadeh1,2, Seyed Ali Momeni3, Peyman Kheirandish Zarandi1,2

  • 1Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Genes & Diseases
|December 14, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Ras gene mutations are common in many cancers, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Ras-association domain family (RASSF) proteins are crucial for regulating Ras activity and may offer a therapeutic target for Ras-driven tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Ras proteins (K-Ras, H-Ras, N-Ras) function as GTP-dependent molecular switches controlling cell proliferation and division.
  • Mutations in the Ras gene disrupt its GTPase activity, causing permanent activation and promoting tumor development.
  • Ras gene mutations are prevalent in over 30% of human cancers, particularly high in pancreatic, lung, and colon cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the critical roles of Ras proteins and Ras-association domain family (RASSF) proteins in cancer.
  • To explore the significance of RASSF proteins in the context of Ras-induced tumorigenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and analysis of existing studies on Ras and RASSF proteins.
  • Examination of the molecular mechanisms underlying Ras protein activation and its downstream effects.
  • Evaluation of the role of RASSF proteins in regulating Ras signaling pathways.

Main Results:

  • Mutated Ras proteins exhibit loss of GTPase activity, leading to sustained signaling and uncontrolled cell growth.
  • Ras-association domain family (RASSF) proteins are implicated in tumor suppression and are often lost or inactivated in Ras-driven cancers.
  • The interaction between Ras and RASSF proteins is critical for regulating cell fate, including apoptosis and growth arrest.

Conclusions:

  • Ras proteins are key drivers in a significant proportion of cancers due to activating mutations.
  • Loss of RASSF proteins contributes to the development and progression of Ras-induced tumors.
  • Targeting RASSF proteins presents a promising therapeutic strategy for a broad spectrum of Ras-driven malignancies.
Keywords:
CancerColonH-RasK-RasLungN-RasPancreatic

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