MRAS
Description
The MRAS (muscle RAS oncogene homolog) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 3.
M-Ras, also known as muscle RAS oncogene homolog and R-Ras3, is a protein encoded by the MRAS gene on chromosome 3. It is widely expressed in various tissues and cell types. M-Ras acts as a signal transducer for diverse signaling pathways, including those involved in neural and bone development, as well as tumor growth. The MRAS gene harbors one of 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. The MRAS gene resides on chromosome 3, spanning 10 exons, and produces two protein isoforms via alternative splicing. M-Ras belongs to the small GTPase superfamily, specifically the Ras family, which includes Rap1, Rap2, R-Ras, and R-Ras2 (TC21). This protein comprises 209 amino acids. Its N-terminal sequence shares 60-75% similarity with the Ras protein, while its effector region is identical to that of Ras. M-Ras shares structural similarities with H-Ras and Rap2A, with the exception of its switch 1 conformation when bound to guanosine 5'-(beta,gamma-imido)triphosphate (Gpp(NH)p).
M-Ras plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth by acting as a signal transducer for new upstream signals. It activates the MAP kinase pathway, a key signaling cascade involved in cell proliferation.
MRAS is also known as M-RAs, NS11, R-RAS3, RRAS3.
