Ras proteins are a family of small GTPase enzymes that play a crucial role in cell signaling. They act as molecular switches, toggling between an active form bound to GTP and an inactive form bound to GDP. This switching regulates various cellular processes, including growth, differentiation, and survival. Mutations in Ras proteins are commonly associated with many types of cancer, as they can lead to uncontrolled cell division. The most studied members of this family include K-Ras, N-Ras, and H-Ras, each of which has distinct functions and implications in tumorigenesis.