What is the oncogene that is most often mutated in human tumors and what does it

Question

What is the oncogene that is most often mutated in human tumors and what does it encode? A Option A: the RAS gene, a GTP-binding protein that serves as an on-off switch for a key cell signaling pathway that controls cell proliferation Option B: the MYC gene, a protein kinase that enhances cell differentiation Option C: the MYC gene, an RNA polymerase that transcribes mRNA encoding proteins needed for cell division Option D: the RB gene, a GTP-binding protein that serves as an on-off switch for a key cell signaling pathway that controls cell proliferation Option E: the RAS gene, a DNA polymerase that replicates DNA for dividing cells

Explanation / Answer

The oncogene that is most often mutated in human tumors is RAS gene. All RAS protein family members belong to class of protein GTPases , and are involved in transmitting the signals within the cells. RAS is a G-protein or Guanosine nucleotide binding protein. G-protein functions as binary switches with "on" and "off" states. In the "off" state, it is bound to GDP while in the "on" state, the RAS protein is bound with GTP. RAS regulates signal pathways control processes like actin cytosleletal integrity, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell adhesion and cell migration. RAS activates several pathways but one most important is mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade.

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