Ras And EF-Hand Domain Containing Protein (RASEF)

By searching for genes in a region of chromosome 9q commonly deleted in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), followed by PCR of CD34-positive bone marrow cells, Sweetser et al. (2005) cloned RASEF. The deduced 844-amino acid protein contains a domain found in RAS (HRAS) family GTP-binding proteins.Sweetser et al. (2005) determined that the RASEF gene contains 17 exons.Bone marrow biopsy revealed blasts and cells with maturing monocytic features. A final diagnosis of M5b AML was made. The authors reviewed the literature and concluded that leukemia may be the most likely diagnosis in a child with bilateral soft tissue orbital tumors.