New Mechanism of Mutant RAS Proteins in Cancer Uncovered

Researchers reveal that mutant RAS proteins drive tumor growth by releasing nuclear proteins, offering new treatment avenues.

Mutant RAS proteins, commonly found in deadly cancers, have been discovered to promote tumor growth through a novel mechanism beyond cell surface signaling.
The study identifies that mutant RAS facilitates the release of the nuclear protein EZH2, which leads to the breakdown of the tumor suppressor protein DLC1.
Blocking mutant RAS proteins prevents EZH2 release, restoring the function of DLC1 and highlighting potential for more effective cancer treatments.
Experiments combining RAS inhibitors with drugs that reactivate DLC1 showed enhanced effectiveness against cancer in lung cancer models.
This new understanding of mutant RAS proteins could lead to improved treatment strategies, particularly for challenging cancers like pancreatic cancer.