Kras(g12c) Inhibitors on the Horizon

Abstract

RAS proteins (the four isoforms KRAS4A, KRAS4B, NRAS and HRAS encoded by three genes KRAS, NRAS and HRAS) act as molecular switches that when activated drive several key cellular processes such as cell growth, proliferation and survival [1]. In normal cells, RAS activity is under tight control by the precise activation (binding to GTP) and inactivation (GTP hydrolysis to GDP) [1]. As with other critical proteins, it is not at all surprising to note that the gene encoding the RAS protein isoforms is found mutated or altered in a significant proportion of tumors [2]. Mutant RAS loses its ability to hydrolyze GTP and remains in a permanently activated state (bound to GTP) leading to uncontrolled growth.