Recombinant Human KRAS/K-Ras 2 Protein, N-His

Description of Recombinant Human KRAS/K-Ras 2 Protein, N-His

Introduction to Recombinant Human KRAS/K-Ras 2 Protein

Recombinant Human KRAS/K-Ras 2 Protein, also known as KRAS, is a highly conserved protein that plays a crucial role in cell signaling and growth. It is a member of the Ras family of small GTPases and is encoded by the KRAS gene located on chromosome 12. This protein is involved in various cellular processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, making it a key player in the development and progression of cancer.

Structure of Recombinant Human KRAS/K-Ras 2 Protein

The KRAS protein is composed of 189 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 21 kDa. It consists of six regions, including a switch I and switch II domain, which are crucial for its GTPase activity. The switch I region is responsible for nucleotide binding, while the switch II region is involved in effector interaction. KRAS also has a C-terminal hypervariable region, which is responsible for its membrane localization and interaction with downstream effectors. This protein is post-translationally modified by the addition of a farnesyl group, which is essential for its proper functioning.

Activity of Recombinant Human KRAS/K-Ras 2 Protein

KRAS is a signaling protein that acts as a molecular switch, cycling between an active GTP-bound state and an inactive GDP-bound state. In its active state, KRAS binds to and activates downstream effectors such as RAF, PI3K, and RalGDS, which then initiate a cascade of signaling events that regulate cell growth and survival. On the other hand, in its inactive state, KRAS is unable to interact with these effectors, resulting in the suppression of cell signaling.

The activity of KRAS is tightly regulated by the balance between its GTPase activity and the activity of GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). GAPs promote the hydrolysis of GTP to GDP, thus switching off the signaling activity of KRAS. Mutations in the KRAS gene that disrupt this balance can lead to constitutive activation of the protein, resulting in uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation, a hallmark of cancer.

Application of Recombinant Human KRAS/K-Ras 2 Protein

Recombinant Human KRAS/K-Ras 2 Protein has various applications in both research and clinical settings. One of its primary uses is in the study of cancer, as mutations in the KRAS gene are found in approximately 20% of all human cancers. Researchers use recombinant KRAS protein to study the effects of these mutations on its activity and to develop targeted therapies that can inhibit its signaling activity.

Recombinant KRAS protein is also used in drug discovery and development, as it is a potential target for cancer treatment. By studying the interactions between KRAS and its downstream effectors, scientists can identify potential inhibitors that can block its activity and halt cancer progression. Additionally, recombinant KRAS protein is used in diagnostic tests to detect the presence of KRAS mutations in cancer patients, which can help in determining the most effective treatment approach.

Furthermore, recombinant KRAS protein has applications in other areas of research, such as cell signaling, membrane trafficking, and protein-protein interactions. Its ability to interact with various effector proteins makes it a valuable tool for studying the complex network of signaling pathways in cells.

Conclusion

Recombinant Human KRAS/K-Ras 2 Protein is a vital protein involved in cell signaling and growth. Its structure and activity are crucial for its role in regulating various cellular processes, and mutations in the KRAS gene can lead to the development of cancer. The use of recombinant KRAS protein in research and clinical settings has greatly advanced our understanding of its function and its potential as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.</p