A
family of oncogenes that encode for GTPases (
enzymes located at the
plasma membrane or in the cytoplasm). They were first identified as the transforming
genes in the Harvey
sarcoma virus (H- or Ha-ras) and the Kirsten
sarcoma virus (K- or Ki-ras).
From the BioTech Dictionary at http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/. For further information see the BioTech homenode.