In: Biology
What role does the RAS proto-onco gene normally play in cell division?
Ras proteins control intracellular signaling networks.Ras-regulated signal pathways control such processes as actin cytoskeletal integrity,cell proliferation,cell differentiation,cell adhesion,apoptosis,and cell migration.Ras and Ras-related proteins are deregulated in cancers,leading to increased invasion and metastasis,and decreased apoptosis.Ras activates several pathways,of which the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade has been well-studied.This cascade transmits signals downstream and results in the transcription of genes involved in cell growth and division.