What is Ras
The Reticular Activating System is a group of nerve cells in the brain that control basic functions in higher organisms. It works through a network of neurons, and is one of the oldest areas of the human brain. This network filters information from the external world and brings it to the conscious mind, where the RAS decides what to pass on. It controls sleep cycles and wakefulness.
Scientists have been trying to develop a drug that can stop the functioning of the Ras protein for over 25 years. This ‘undruggable’ protein has remained stubbornly resistant. However, a recent breakthrough could open up a new direction in cancer research.
Researchers have been developing molecules that stick to the surface of the Ras protein and prevent it from receiving signals from the SOS. While this method of targeting Ras has been successful in some ways, it has had its own caveats.
As a result of this process, it isn’t always clear what is targeted and what isn’t. This can lead to the failure of a drug, despite its efficacy in other areas. This is why the Ras Initiative was launched by the National Cancer Institute. Since then, a number of other studies have pushed forward the development of a more effective approach to targeting Ras.
what is recruitment as a service
The first step is to identify the target region of the Ras protein. This involves using sensitive detection techniques. Then, the team builds up molecules to the size of a drug and sticks them to the surface of the Ras protein. This process is similar to the design of enzymes. It takes a long time to develop, and the results are not necessarily guaranteed.
What is Ras and How Can it Be Targeted?
After the first step is completed, researchers then need to figure out how to disable faulty Ras proteins. The problem is that Ras works more like a hand in a glove than an enzyme. It sits on the inner surface of the cell membrane, and bumps into other proteins to receive and transmit signals. This means that the faulty Ras proteins can stay triggered for a long time, even if they’re in the right place.
Advantages of Recruitment as a Service
In the meantime, Genentech has been working to create small molecules that are designed to stick to the Ras’ surface. The company has also been studying how the RAS interacts with other proteins. This is particularly important, since a mutation in the RAS can cause cancer. In fact, mutations in the RAS are responsible for over a quarter of all cancer cases.
In addition to the research being done by the NCI, there are other organizations working on the same problem. One of these is the Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., which is the contractor for the FFRDC. Another is the ASC, which is working on new standards for RAS farms. These are being developed with input from scientists, physicians, and consumers.
For now, the goal is to develop a drug that can switch on and off faulty Ras proteins. This will take time, but it’s an exciting prospect for the cancer research community.
