title: Ras family signaling: therapeutic targeting.
abstract: Mutationally activated and oncogenic versions of the ras genes were first identified in human tumors in 1982. This discovery prompted great interest in the development of anti-Ras strategies as novel, target-based approaches for cancer treatment. The three human ras genes represent the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancers. Consequently, a considerable research effort has been made to define the function of Ras in normal and neoplastic cells and to target Ras for cancer treatment. Among the anti-Ras strategies that are under evaluation in the clinic are pharmacologic inhibitors designed to prevent: (1) association with the plasma membrane (farnesyltransferase inhibitors), (2) downstream signaling (Raf and MEK protein kinase inhibitors), (3) autocrine growth factor signaling (EGF receptor inhibitors), or (4) gene expression (H-ras and c-raf-1). Although a number of these inhibitors have demonstrated potent anti-tumor activities in preclinical models, phase l-lll clinical trials have revealed unexpected complexities in Ras function and in the clinical development of target-based therapies. We review the current status of anti-Ras drug development, issues that have complicated their progression to the clinic, and possible future strategies for targeting Ras.
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.
authors.forename: Adrienne D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Cox
authors.forename: Channing J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Der
mesh_terms: D019883:Alkyl and Aryl Transferases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D051231:Farnesyltranstransferase; D005544:Forecasting; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000502:physiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense / Q000494:pharmacology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D018631:ras Proteins / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense; D019883:Alkyl and Aryl Transferases; D051231:Farnesyltranstransferase; D018631:ras Proteins