K-Ras is a signal transduction protein responsible for propagation of signals initiated by growth factors. Located downstream of EGFR it forms part of the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signalling pathway. k-Ras mutations are associated with many cancers – leukemias, lung cancers, colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Since tumors with activating mutations in k-Ras gene do not respond to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs - anti-EGRF drugs) testing for k-Ras mutations provides a strategy to identify patients who are most likely to respond to anti-EGFR therapy.
Kras-MMD-PCR Mutation Test Kit enables in two closed-tube reactions detection of seven most common k-ras mutations in codons 12 and 13 against a background of wild-type genomic DNA.
The kit also allows distinguishing of Gly13Asp mutation which is different from other k-Ras mutations in that its presence does not diminish efficacy of anti-EGFR drugs.
The GeneFirst OncoPlex® KRAS Mutation Test Kit (RUO) is a real-time PCR-based test that detects 23 different mutations with high sensitivity. This test is based on the GeneFirst proprietary technology, MMD, which a combination of specially designed mutation-specific primers, blocker-probe and unique cycling conditions that facilitate selective amplification of multiple mutant alleles – at the same time, blocking amplification from wild type (normal) allele. This allows for the detection of rare mutations against a high background of normal, nonmutated genomic DNA.
