The importance of Ras in drug resistance in cancer. (6th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Healy, Fiona M.; Prior, Ian A.; MacEwan, David J.
• Other Names: Stefanska Barbara guestEditor.; Tucker Steven guestEditor.; MacEwan David guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: British journal of pharmacology. Volume 179:Number 12(2022)
• Page Start: 2844
• Page End: 2867
• Publication Date: 2021-04-06
• Subjects: acquired resistance -- cancer stem cells -- Drug resistance -- intrinsic resistance -- MAPK -- PI3K; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; Drug Therapy -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1111/bph.15420
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1188

Abstract

Abstract : In this review, we analyse the impact of oncogenic Ras mutations in mediating cancer drug resistance and the progress made in the abrogation of this resistance, through pharmacological targeting. At a physiological level, Ras is implicated in many cellular proliferation and survival pathways. However, mutations within this small GTPase can be responsible for the initiation of cancer, therapeutic resistance and failure, and ultimately disease relapse. Often termed "undruggable, " Ras is notoriously difficult to target directly, due to its structure and intrinsic activity. Thus, Ras‐mediated drug resistance remains a considerable pharmacological problem. However, with advances in both analytical techniques and novel drug classes, the therapeutic landscape against Ras is changing. Allele‐specific, direct Ras‐targeting agents have reached clinical trials for the first time, indicating there may, at last, be hope of targeting such an elusive but significant protein for better more effective cancer therapy. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on New avenues in cancer prevention and treatment (BJP 75th Anniversary). To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.12/issuetoc