The current understanding of KRAS oligomerization on membranes

KRAS, a member of the RAS family of small GTPases, is frequently mutated in cancers and localizes to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, where it has been suggested to form dimers and higher-order oligomers (nanoclusters). These nanoclusters are dynamic, reversible, and may be critical for signal amplification and specificity. In this perspective, we review the current understanding of KRAS oligomerization on membranes and its relevance for downstream signaling. Moreover, we discuss potential KRAS-KRAS interfaces, the effectors contributing to nanoclustering, such as the influence of the membrane lipid composition on KRAS nanoclustering, and outline the effect of small molecules on the RAS signaling pathway and nanoclustering.