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Did you know? How does the Ras gene make cancer cells "never stop"?
In cancer research, one eye-catching gene is Ras, which has led many people to delve into the role of this gene and its impact on cancer cell proliferation. The Ras gene family is expressed in all animal cell systems and plays an important role in signal transmission. Ras protein is a small GTPase that is activated when receiving external signals, thereby initiating a series of cell growth and survival processes. However, if the Ras gene is mutated, the Ras protein will remain in an activated state forever, causing cells to continue to proliferate and even eventually lead to cancer.
History of Ras gene
The Ras gene was originally discovered by Edward Skolnick and his team at the National Institutes of Health in the 1960s while studying cancer viruses. These cancer viruses were first discovered in mice, followed by the progressive revelation of the three main Ras genes: HRAS, KRAS and NRAS. These genes are important to our understanding of the development of many cancers.
Structure and function
The structure of Ras protein consists of six β-strands and five α-helices, and contains a G domain and a C-terminal membrane targeting region. This structure allows Ras to efficiently bind to GTP and GDP and act as a switch inside the cell.
Ras functions like a binary molecular switch, controlling the signaling network inside cells, involving cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and migration.
The connection between Ras and cancer
Mutated Ras genes are found in as many as 20% to 30% of all human tumors, making it one of the most common proto-oncogenes. When the Ras protein is continuously activated, it leads to continuous cell proliferation, which is one of the core mechanisms of cancer development.
Abnormal activation of Ras plays a key role in inappropriate signal transduction, cell proliferation and malignant transformation.
Activation and deactivation of Ras
The activation of Ras protein is mainly achieved through its binding to GTP. The binding of GTP stabilizes the active state of Ras and promotes the transmission of downstream signals. In contrast, when Ras binds to GDP, it enters an inactive state. This process is regulated by two major proteins—Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPs).
The therapeutic potential of Ras
Due to the importance of Ras in cancer, scientists are actively exploring treatment strategies targeting Ras. For example, recent research indicates that Reovirus and other viruses can target cancer cells whose pathways are activated by Ras. In addition, new treatments such as Ras inhibitors are also showing potential in clinical trials.
To combat cancers caused by Ras, researchers are working to develop treatments specifically targeting mutated Ras.
Conclusion
In summary, the Ras gene plays a crucial role in cell proliferation, and the impact of its abnormal activation on cancer cannot be underestimated. With a better understanding of Ras's function, we may find new treatments to stop the cancer from continuing to grow. How will future research better reveal the role of Ras protein and provide new opportunities for cancer treatment?
