The full form of the RAS gene is Rat Sarcoma.
The RAS gene family was initially discovered over three decades ago and named after its discovery in rat sarcoma viruses. While the RAS family encompasses 36 human genes, KRAS, NRAS, and HRAS are the most frequently implicated in human cancers. These genes encode proteins that act as signal transducers, playing critical roles in cell growth, differentiation, and survival. Mutations in RAS genes can lead to the constitutive activation of these proteins, driving uncontrolled cell proliferation and contributing to cancer development.
