Anti-Ras antibody [4F3]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

The Ras protein also known by its alternate names such as KRAS NRAS and HRAS functions as a small GTPase which is a type of enzyme that binds to guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and can switch to an inactive form when it hydrolyzes GTP to GDP. Ras proteins are encoded by genes located in different chromosomes and typically have a molecular weight of about 21 kDa. These proteins are expressed in various tissues throughout the body where they play key roles in cellular signaling.

Biological function summary

Ras proteins are pivotal in regulating cell proliferation differentiation and survival. They are often part of larger protein complexes that facilitate signal transduction across cell membranes. These proteins function as binary molecular switches toggling between active (GTP-bound) and inactive (GDP-bound) states. Mutations in Ras proteins such as NRAS Q61R can lead the protein to assume permanently active conformations disrupting normal cellular signaling processes and contributing to oncogenesis.

Pathways

Ras proteins play significant roles in the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Their activation leads to a cascade of phosphorylation events that ultimately regulate gene expression. Within these pathways Ras proteins interact with various molecules including RAF kinases and the PI3K protein further illustrating their complex roles in signal propagation. These pathways control many cellular processes including growth differentiation and survival illustrating how Ras proteins integrate multiple signals to modulate cellular outcomes.

Associated diseases and disorders

Ras proteins are frequently implicated in various cancers notably pancreatic and colorectal cancers. Mutated forms of Ras such as KRAS G12V drive oncogenesis by promoting uncontrolled cell growth and division. In cancer pathology Ras often interacts with tumor suppressor proteins influencing the disease progression. Targeting Ras-mediated signaling pathways using approaches like pan-Ras inhibitors or chemiluminescence ELISAs represents an ongoing area of therapeutic research aimed at combating Ras-driven malignancies.