RAS refers to a family of proto-oncogenes (KRAS, NRAS, HRAS) encoding small GTPase proteins involved in cell signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival (primarily the MAPK and PI3K pathways).
Oncology relevance (for pharmacists):
- Activating RAS mutations lead to constitutive signaling and uncontrolled tumor growth.
- Common in colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma.
- Predictive biomarker:
- KRAS/NRAS mutations predict resistance to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (e.g., cetuximab, panitumumab) in colorectal cancer.
- Direct RAS targeting has historically been difficult, though KRAS G12C inhibitors (e.g., sotorasib, adagrasib) are now clinically available.