Related RAS Viral (r-ras) Oncogene Homolog Human Recombinant
Related RAS Viral (r-ras) Oncogene Homolog 2 Human Recombinant
The Related RAS Viral (r-ras) oncogene, also known as RRAS, is a member of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases. These proteins are involved in transmitting signals within cells, particularly those related to cell growth, differentiation, and survival . The RRAS gene is located on chromosome 19q13.33 and encodes a protein that exhibits significant homology to other Ras proteins .
Key Biological Properties: RRAS proteins are small GTPases that function as molecular switches, cycling between active GTP-bound and inactive GDP-bound states . They are involved in various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation .
Expression Patterns: RRAS is expressed in various tissues, with notable expression in the nervous system, where it plays a role in neuronal axon guidance .
Tissue Distribution: RRAS proteins are found in multiple tissues, including the brain, heart, and skeletal muscles .
Primary Biological Functions: RRAS proteins are involved in regulating cell proliferation, survival, and migration. They play a crucial role in signal transduction pathways that control these processes .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: While RRAS is primarily known for its role in cell proliferation and migration, it also has implications in immune responses. RRAS signaling can influence the recruitment, activation, and differentiation of immune cells, thereby playing a role in immune surveillance and pathogen recognition .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: RRAS proteins interact with various molecules and cellular components to transmit signals. They function as molecular switches, linking receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinase activation to downstream cytoplasmic or nuclear events .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: RRAS proteins activate several downstream signaling pathways, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which involves RAF, MEK, and ERK signaling . These pathways are crucial for cell proliferation, survival, and migration.
Transcriptional Regulation: The expression of RRAS is regulated at the transcriptional level by various transcription factors and signaling pathways .
Post-Translational Modifications: RRAS proteins undergo several post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation and prenylation, which are essential for their proper localization and function .
Biomedical Research: RRAS is a significant target in cancer research due to its role in cell proliferation and survival. Understanding its signaling pathways can lead to the development of targeted therapies .
Diagnostic Tools: Mutations in the RRAS gene can serve as biomarkers for certain types of cancers, aiding in diagnosis and prognosis .
Therapeutic Strategies: Targeting RRAS signaling pathways holds potential for developing new cancer therapies. Inhibitors of RRAS and its downstream effectors are being explored as therapeutic agents .
Development to Aging and Disease: RRAS plays a role throughout the life cycle, from development to aging. During development, it is involved in processes such as neuronal axon guidance and cell migration . In aging and disease, dysregulation of RRAS signaling can contribute to the development of cancers and other diseases .