Neuroblastoma RAS viral (v-ras) oncogene homolog (NRAS) is localized in the chromosomal region 1p13.2. It is a part of the RAS gene family which encode proteins involved in signal transmission in cells and participate in the regulation of cell growth. It plays a central role in MAPK signaling pathway. Point mutations of the NRAS gene have been found in a variety of tumor types, e.g. melanoma (13-25%), colorectal cancer (1-6%), lung cancer (1%), hepatocellular carcinoma (10%), thyroid carcinomas (7 %), etc.

Examination

We perform the examination of the NRAS gene with a focus on the detection of activating mutations in codons 12, 13, 59, 60, 61, and 146.

We use PCR and reverse hybridisation using NRAS XL StripAssay (ViennaLab) kit.

Analytical sensitivity and specificity of the sequencing: 99%.

Limitations:

In the case of the analysis of somatic mutations the mutations will not be detected, if the altered cell line is not represented by at least 20% (sequencing), or 1% (reverse hybridization).

We also perform PCR and reverse hybridization analysis using NRAS StripAssay (ViennaLab).

References

  1. Young A, Lou D, McCormick F.Oncogenic and wild-type Ras play divergent roles in the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Cancer Discov. 2013 Jan;3(1):112-23.
  2. Yufang W, Sérgia V, Efsevia V, Shouyong Peng, Adam JB, Gerald CC. Mutant N-RAS Protects Colorectal Cancer Cells from Stress-Induced Apoptosis and Contributes to Cancer Development and Progression. Cancer Discovery March 2013 3;294.
  3. De Roock W, Claes B, Bernasconi D, De Schutter J, Biesmans B, Fountzilas G,et al. Effects of KRAS, BRAF, NRAS, and PIK3CA mutations on the efficacy of cetuximab plus chemotherapy in chemotherapy-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer: a retrospective consortium analysis.Lancet Oncol. 2010 Aug;11(8):753-62.
  4. Cecily P. Vaughn, Scott D. ZoBell, Larissa V. Furtado, Christine L. Baker, Wade S. Samowitz. Frequency of KRAS, BRAF, and NRAS mutations in colorectal cancer. Article first published online: 8 FEB 2011. DOI: 10.1002/gcc.20854