Di Ras1, DIRAS family GTP binding RAS like 1, Distinct subgroup of the Ras family member 1, GBTS1, GTP binding protein Di Ras1, Ras related inhibitor of cell growth, RIG, Rig protein, Small GTP binding tumor suppressor 1.
The three human RAS genes encode highly related 188 to 189 amino acid proteins, designated H-Ras, N-Ras and K-Ras4A and K-Ras4B (the two K-Ras proteins arise from alternative gene splicing). Ras proteins function as binary molecular switches that control intracellular signaling networks. Ras-regulated signal pathways control such processes as actin cytoskeletal integrity, proliferation, differentiation, cell adhesion, apoptosis, and cell migration. Ras and ras-related proteins are often deregulated in cancers, leading to increased invasion and metastasis, and decreased apoptosis.DIRAS1 displays low GTPase activity and exists predominantly in the GTP-bound form. It is highly expressed in heart and brain.
