HRAS is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein involved in cell signaling pathways. This protein plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, division, and differentiation. Mutations in the HRAS gene can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, which is a hallmark of cancer. The HRAS gene is part of a larger family of genes known as RAS genes, which also includes KRAS and NRAS. These genes are often studied in cancer research because their mutations are frequently found in various types of tumors, including bladder cancer and thyroid cancer. Understanding HRAS can help in developing targeted therapies for these conditions.