NRAS

NRAS is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein involved in cell signaling, specifically in controlling cell growth and division. Like other genes in the RAS family, NRAS plays a role in regulating normal cell function. However, when mutations occur in the NRAS gene, the protein it encodes can become overactive, leading to uncontrolled cell growth, which may contribute to the development of certain types of cancer.

What is the normal function of NRAS in a cell?

In a normal cell, NRAS serves as a switch that helps regulate cell growth and division. It is part of a larger signaling pathway that cells use to respond to external signals, which tell them when to grow, divide, or stop dividing. When NRAS functions properly, it turns on in response to growth signals and turns off when the growth is no longer needed. This careful regulation helps maintain healthy tissue function throughout the body.

What types of cancer are associated with abnormal NRAS?

Abnormal (mutated) NRAS is most commonly associated with melanoma, a type of skin cancer, but it can also be found in some cases of leukemia, thyroid cancer, and colorectal cancer. When NRAS becomes mutated, it can lead to the continuous activation of cell growth signals, resulting in unchecked growth and tumour formation. NRAS mutations are less common than mutations in other RAS family genes, but they still play a significant role in specific cancers.

What kinds of tests do pathologists perform to look for abnormal NRAS, and how will the tests be described in a pathology report?

Pathologists perform molecular tests to detect NRAS mutations, typically using tissue samples from a tumour. These tests often involve methods like next-generation sequencing (NGS) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to look for specific changes in the NRAS gene.

In your pathology report, the results of NRAS testing will indicate whether a mutation has been detected. If an NRAS mutation is found, the report will describe the specific mutation and how it may influence your treatment options. For example, while NRAS mutations do not yet have targeted therapies like those for KRAS or EGFR, the presence of an NRAS mutation can still help guide treatment decisions, such as determining whether certain types of therapy, like immunotherapy, may be more effective.