The Rat Sarcoma Virus (RAS) Family of Proteins in Sarcomas

Cureus. 2024 Mar 27;16(3):e57082. doi: 10.7759/cureus.57082. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Abstract

The rat sarcoma virus (RAS) protein family plays a crucial role in facilitating communication both within and between cells, thereby governing fundamental cellular processes such as growth, survival, and differentiation. The RAS family comprises four members of small GTPases, namely Harvey RAS (H-RAS), Kirsten RAS (K-RAS, two splice variants, 4A and 4B), and Neuroblastoma RAS (N-RAS), and these are encoded by three cellular RAS genes. Mutations in these genes play a significant role in cancer development and progression. Accordingly, here we review and discuss currently available literature about the fate and function of the RAS family of proteins in sarcomas.

Keywords: acta2-as1; fibrosis; non-coding rna; pulmonary fibrosis; α-sma.

Publication types

  • Review