The RAS gene family encodes membrane-associated, guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (GTPases) that are involved in the control of cellular proliferation and differentiation.

Similar to other guanine-binding proteins (such as the heterotrimeric G proteins), the RAS proteins cycle between an active guanosine-triphosphate (GTP) bound form and an inactive, guanosine-diphosphate (GDP) bound form.

The weak intrinsic GTPase activity of RAS proteins is greatly enhanced by the action of GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). GAP is an effector of RAS oncogene action.

Members

 RASs

• H-ras (HRAS) (MIM.190020)
• Ki-ras (KRAS) (MIM.190070)
• N-ras (NRAS) (MIM.164790)

 Rab (Rab GTPases)
 Rho
 Ral
 RAF

Function

The Ras family of small G proteins, which includes H-ras, R-ras and Rap, are important elements in cellular signalling pathways that control integrin function.

References

 Parton RG, Hancock JF. Lipid rafts and plasma membrane microorganization: insights from Ras. Trends Cell Biol. 2004 Mar;14(3):141-7. PMID: #15003623#

 Malumbres M, Barbacid M. RAS oncogenes: the first 30 years. Nat Rev Cancer. 2003 Jun;3(6):459-65. PMID: #12778136#

 Shields JM, Pruitt K, McFall A, Shaub A, Der CJ. Understanding Ras: 'it ain't over 'til it's over'. Trends Cell Biol. 2000 Apr;10(4):147-54. PMID: #10740269#