**Background of RRAS Antibodies**
RRAS (Ras-related protein R-Ras) is a small GTPase belonging to the Ras superfamily, which regulates cellular processes like proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis by cycling between active GTP-bound and inactive GDP-bound states. Unlike its oncogenic relatives (e.g., HRAS, KRAS), RRAS is less frequently mutated in cancers but plays roles in vascular development, cell adhesion, and integrin signaling.
RRAS-specific antibodies are critical tools for studying its expression, localization, and function. They enable detection via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence, aiding research into RRAS dysregulation in diseases. For instance, aberrant RRAS activity is linked to cancer metastasis, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological conditions. These antibodies also help dissect RRAS interactions with downstream effectors (e.g., PI3K, MAPK pathways) and upstream regulators (e.g., GEFs, GAPs).
Challenges include ensuring antibody specificity due to high homology among Ras family members. Validated RRAS antibodies are essential to avoid cross-reactivity, particularly in studies exploring overlapping signaling networks. Recent interest in RRAS stems from its potential as a therapeutic target, especially in cancers resistant to conventional RAS-pathway inhibitors. However, targeting RRAS remains complex due to its dual roles in pro- and anti-oncogenic contexts, necessitating precise tools like monoclonal antibodies for mechanistic and translational studies.