Ras (N17) Adenovirus (Ad-CMV-Ras (N17) )

Ras genes encode 21 kDa guanine nucleotide-binding proteins, including H-, K- and N-Ras. H-Ras was first identified as oncogene, mutated Ras genes have been found in many human tumors. Like all GTPases, Ras act as molecular switch to control downstream cellular events. The interconversion of the inactive GDP-bound form into the active GTP-bound form is regulated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors, whereas inactivation of the GTP-bound form is stimulated by GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) . Ras in its active GTP bound form binds to Raf, resulting in activation of MAP kinase cascade. The provided recombinant adenovirus contains dominant negative form of human H-Ras (T17N) .