N-Ras 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 survival. Mutations in the N-Ras gene can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, which is a hallmark of cancer. The N-Ras protein is part of a larger family of proteins known as Ras proteins, which are important for transmitting signals from outside the cell to the inside. Abnormal activity of N-Ras is associated with various types of cancer, including melanoma and leukemia, making it a significant focus of cancer research.