DIRAS1 is a member of a distinct branch of the functionally diverse Ras superfamily of monomeric GTPases. DIRAS1 demonstrates low GTPase activity and exists mainly in the GTP-bound form. Ras proteins operate as binary molecular switches that control intracellular signaling networks. Ras-regulated signal pathways regulate such processes as actin cytoskeletal integrity， proliferation， differentiation， cell adhesion， apoptosis， and cell migration. Ras and ras-related proteins are frequently deregulated in cancers， leading to increased invasion and metastasis， and decreased apoptosis.
