**Background of NRAS Antibodies**
NRAS (Neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog) is a member of the RAS family of small GTPases, which regulate critical cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, by cycling between active GTP-bound and inactive GDP-bound states. Mutations in the *NRAS* gene, particularly at codons 12. 13. or 61. result in constitutive activation of the protein, leading to hyperactivation of downstream pathways like MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT. These mutations are frequently implicated in cancers such as melanoma, colorectal carcinoma, and hematologic malignancies.
NRAS-specific antibodies are essential tools in biomedical research and diagnostics. They enable the detection and quantification of NRAS protein expression, post-translational modifications (e.g., GTP-binding status), and mutant variants in tissue samples or cell lysates. Such antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to study NRAS-driven oncogenic signaling and validate its role in tumorigenesis.
In clinical settings, NRAS antibodies may aid in identifying patients with NRAS-mutant cancers, guiding therapeutic decisions. While direct targeting of mutant NRAS remains challenging, these antibodies support research into combination therapies or inhibitors of downstream effectors. Additionally, they are critical in preclinical studies evaluating resistance mechanisms to targeted therapies.
Overall, NRAS antibodies serve as pivotal reagents for understanding RAS biology, advancing cancer diagnostics, and developing precision oncology strategies.