Understand KRAS and the Quest for Anti-Cancer Drugs

Cells. 2021 Apr 8;10(4):842. doi: 10.3390/cells10040842.

Abstract

The KRAS oncogene is mutated in approximately ~30% of human cancers, and the targeting of KRAS has long been highlighted in many studies. Nevertheless, attempts to target KRAS directly have been ineffective. This review provides an overview of the structure of KRAS and its characteristic signaling pathways. Additionally, we examine the problems associated with currently available KRAS inhibitors and discuss promising avenues for drug development.

Keywords: KRAS; cancer; inhibitors; signaling pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / chemistry
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)