RASSF1A及其在肿瘤发生中的作用

RASSF1A（Ras-assotiation domain family 1 A）基因是一个新型抑癌基因。目前的研究已经在许多肿瘤中发现了这个基因的失活。虽然这个基因的失活可因基因缺失或突变引起，但最常见的原因还是该基因的启动子区甲基化紊乱。这种表形遗传学改变被证实是肿瘤形成的一个早期事件，是肿瘤形成的主要因素之一。RASSF1A有多个结构域，被认为是一种潜在的Ras癌蛋白效应分子，能与活化的Ras结合，调节凋亡及细胞周期信号通路，在细胞的凋亡、增殖、分化及维持细胞的稳定中发挥多种生物学效应，与肿瘤的发生发展密切相关。

RASSF1A and its role in tumorigenesis

RASSF1A (Ras-assotiation domain family 1 A) is a recently discovered new tumor suppressor. Recently, it has been shown that silencing of RASSF1A was found in many tumors. Although it can be inactivated by gene deletion or mutations, the most common reason for RASSF1A dyfunction is due to the silence of the gene by inappropriate methylation in promoter region. This epigenetic mechanism is thought as an early incidence and plays a major role in the development of cancer. RASSF1A contains several structural domains and is an potential effector of the Ras oncoprotein. It is able to bind to the activated Ras and participates in regulating the signal pathway of apoptosis and cell cycle. It is closely associated with the development of tumor and exerts multiple functions in cellular apoptosis, cycle, proliferation, differentiation and stability.