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

Abstract

Ras gene mutation has been observed in more than 30% of cancers, and 90% of pancreatic, lung and colon cancers. Ras proteins (K-Ras, H-Ras, N-Ras) act as molecular switches which are activated by binding to GTP. They play a role in the cascade of cell process control (proliferation and cell division). In the inactive state, transforming GTP to GDP leads to the activation of GTpase in Ras gene. However, the mutation in Ras leads to the loss of internal GTPase activity and permanent activation of the protein. The activated Ras can promote the cell death or stop cell growth, which are facilitated by Ras-association domain family. Various studies have been conducted to determine the importance of losing RASSF proteins in Ras-induced tumors. This paper examines the role of Ras and RASSF proteins. In general, RASSF proteins can be used as a suitable means for targeting a large group of Ras-induced tumors.

Keywords: Cancer; Colon; H-Ras; K-Ras; Lung; N-Ras; Pancreatic.

Figure 1

The structure of C-terminal protein of RASSF; C1 finger domain on Ra; Ras-related domain; Salvador/RASSF/Hippo domain, SARAH (All C-terminal RASSF proteins have Salvador/RASSF/Hippo domain, which directly bind to mammalian sterile 20 like (MST) and Hippo signaling pathway).,

Figure 2

Signaling pathway with involvement of RASSF1A. This protein is involved in various signaling pathways which can induce apoptosis through Ras activation. It also acts independently of Ras and suppresses Akt signaling pathway through different mechanisms., ,