KRAS gene

KRAS is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein that is involved in regulating cell division. This gene belongs to a class of genes known as oncogenes. When mutated, oncogenes have the potential to cause normal cells to become cancerous.

Function

The KRAS gene provides instructions for making a protein called K-Ras. The K-Ras protein is part of a pathway known as the RAS/MAPK pathway, which transmits signals from outside the cell to the cell's nucleus. These signals instruct the cell to grow and divide or to mature and take on specialized functions (differentiate). The K-Ras protein is a GTPase, which means it converts a molecule called guanosine triphosphate (GTP) into another molecule called guanosine diphosphate (GDP). The K-Ras protein is active, or "turned on," when it is attached (bound) to GTP, and it is inactive, or "turned off," when it is bound to GDP.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the KRAS gene are associated with several cancer types, including lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. These mutations cause the K-Ras protein to be continuously active, which can lead to uncontrolled cell division and the formation of a tumor.

See also

• RAS/MAPK pathway
• Oncogene
• GTPase
• Lung cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Pancreatic cancer

KRAS gene Resources
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