RASSF1

RASSF1, also known as Ras association domain-containing protein 1, is a tumor suppressor gene located on chromosome 3p21.3. It encodes a family of proteins that play a role in regulating cell growth, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. The RASSF1 gene can be silenced or inactivated through various mechanisms, including epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation and promoter hypermethylation, as well as genetic alterations. This silencing is frequently observed in a wide range of human cancers, including lung, breast, kidney, and liver cancers. The loss of RASSF1 function is thought to contribute to tumorigenesis by disrupting normal cellular processes that prevent tumor development. Research has indicated that RASSF1 proteins can interact with other signaling molecules, such as components of the Ras signaling pathway, and influence cellular responses to stress and DNA damage. Its role as a tumor suppressor makes RASSF1 a target of interest in cancer research for understanding disease progression and potentially developing therapeutic strategies.